BREAKING: Sochi 2014 Russia Favorite Evgeni Plushenko Withdraws from Olympics

BREAKING: Sochi 2014 Russia Favorite Evgeni Plushenko Withdraws from Olympics
Mary Chastain

Evgeni Plushenko withdrew from the men’s ice skating short program moments after his name was announced.

During warmups, he attempted a triple-axel and landed awkwardly. He immediately grabbed his back and his face was showed immense pain. He tried another jump and could not even do the proper form in the air. The entire way to the Russian coaches his hands were on his back.

The 31-year-old Russian hero has endured two harsh back surgeries and even though he tried to hide it, his back gave him a few problems towards the end of the ice skating team event last week. He was one of the main reasons why Russia won the gold in the event.

When his name was called he skated to the judges to withdraw.

Plushenko was the only Russian in the men’s ice skating short program. The country won the gold and silver in the pairs skating program on Wednesday.

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