Several weeks ago, I reported that Sasha Cohen may take the year off from competitive skating, and I predicted that her hiatus may be permanent. Michelle Kwan may be right behind her.
Most athletes usually skip school to pursue their pro careers. Michelle Kwan is doing a "reverse commute" by skipping the skating season to concentrate on school.
A big part of her decision is her health. She is recovering from recent hip surgery. But in the meantime, she'll be attending the University of Denver. Kwan missed most of last season with a groin injury that forced her to withdraw from the Olympics in Torino last February.
That makes two complete seasons with no skating for Kwan. At age 26, it will be even more difficult for her to come back to compete at the level that is required under the current judging system. Really, she has not been the same skater since she left her long-time coach Frank Carroll.
While she has left the door open to return after next season, it is obvious to almost everyone -- except Kwan -- that retirement is just around the corner.
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