Russian Figure Skater Evgeni Plushenko Retires After Abruptly Withdrawing from Winter Olympics

Evgeni Plushenko's time at the Sochi Winter Olympics have come to an early end and now, reportedly, so has his figure skating career.

Plushenko was in obvious pain after landing awkwardly on a triple axel during warm-ups on Thursday night. His coach, Alexei Mishin, said that he had injured his back during practice Wednesday, and simply could not skate. On Thursday morning, Plashenko withdrew from Olympic competition.

Plushenko's withdrawl and subsequent retirement should make for a very interesting men's figure skating competition in Sochi, Russia. Plushenko was highly favored.

In announcing his retirement, Plushenko end a storied figure skating career. Many consider him to be the most talented men's skater of his generation.

Evgeni Plushenko has won medals in each of the past four Olympics, including the gold in the team event in Sochi.

[The Globe & Mail]