Evan Lysacek is taking a break from the ice — for now. The two-time U.S. Olympic champion announced during an appearance on the Today show Tuesday, that he will not be competing in the upcoming Winter Olympics in Sochi.
Lysacek's previous injuries, including tearing a labrum in his left hip, a groin injury and a sports hernia, are factors that have played into his final decision to hang his skates up for the time being.
"Words cannot describe how disappointed I am to not be able to compete in Sochi," Lysacek tells Us Weekly. "The proudest moments of my life have been representing the United States in the last two Winter Olympics. I have suffered numerous injuries over the course of my skating career and they are some of the hardest things an athlete has to overcome."
He continued: "My sole focus has been on making it to Sochi as a competitor. I am still processing what it means for me to not be there on the ice representing the US and so my focus has shifted from training to what is immediately in front of me – recovery from my injury."
Though Lysacek is sitting the next competition out, he does plan on returning one day. "While none of my past injuries have sidelined me quite like this one, I remain determined to regain my health and skate again," he told Us.