Ailing Plushenko drops out of Europeans

More sports January 24, 2013

Ailing Plushenko drops out of Europeans

Photo: AP Evgeni Plushenko, of Russia, skates his short program at the ISU European figure skating championship in Zagreb, Croatia, on Thursday, Jan. 24, 2013.

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ZAGREB, Croatia (AP) — Former Olympic champion Evgeni Plushenko of Russia fell in the short program Thursday and then dropped out of the European figure skating championships with a back problem.

The 2006 Olympic gold medalist fell while trying to execute a triple axel and placed only sixth in the short program. He then scratched for Saturday's free skate. Plushenko said upon arrival in Zagreb this week that he had a back problem. He underwent treatment in Munich in November for a herniated disc.

After numerous injuries, Plushenko is trying to revive his career for the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi at home in Russia. Plushenko is a three-time world champion and a seven-time European champion. He also has two Olympic silver medals.

Subjects
People
- Evgeni Plushenko
Locations
- Zagreb,
- Croatia,
- Europe,
- Eastern Europe

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