Evgeni returning to competition!
April 10, 2007
Olympic gold medalist Evgeni Plushenko has seen enough after taking one season off.
Evgeni said Tuesday he is returning to competitive skating after he took a year off after the Turin Games.
In an interview with the Associated Press in Richmond, Va., today, where Evgeni begins the touring season with Champions On Ice, he said he was disappointed by the Russian men's showing in international events this year, including finishing 18th and 19th at last month's World championships.
Plushenko is concerned Russia could lose at least one or even two of the maximum three Olympic spots if there isn't a quick turnaround.
"After seeing the results of Russian skaters in the world championships in Tokyo, I have decided to go back to competition," said Plushenko. "I want to keep Russian figure skating at a competitive level. I want to bridge the gap so our young skaters have time to train and be competitive, which should be in a few years.
Evgeni also plans to compete at the Vancouver Olympics, something he mentioned he might try after winning at Turin.
"I feel strongly that I can be competitive and ready for the 2010 Olympics," Evgeni said. "I am doing triple Axels in my show programs on the Russian tour and landing quads in my practice sessions.
"Plushenko, 24, had been the dominant men's skater in the world until he took the past season off. He said would continue such difficult elements on the Champions On Ice tour before going into full training for the 2007-08 season.
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