Kwan will miss Spokane skating event

DENVER – Michelle Kwan will skip the upcoming figure skating season and attend the University of Denver.

Kwan said Wednesday she will become a full-time student at Denver but will continue to skate in exhibitions. The announcement means Kwan will miss the 2007 U.S. Figure Skating Championships in Spokane Jan. 21-28.

“Each year, since 2002, I have taken a one-year-at-a-time approach to my figure skating plans,” the nine-time U.S. and five-time world champion said. “Education is very important to me, and this year I have decided to put college first.”

The 26-year-old Kwan did not compete in the 2005-06 season because of a series of injuries. She was chosen for the U.S. Olympic team on a medical bye, then injured her groin in the first practice in Turin, Italy, and withdrew.

Last month, Kwan underwent arthroscopic surgery to repair a torn labrum in her right hip, an injury she sustained during the 2004-2005 season. The rehab lasts about four months, another factor in her decision to skip this season.