Meissner won’t compete in Spokane

Former world and U.S. champion Kimmie Meissner will not be competing in Spokane for the U.S. Nationals in January. She has withdrawn from her two Grand Prix events because of knee problems. She did have a bye into the nationals contingent on competing in the Grand Prix events. The 2006 world gold medalist and 2007 U.S. champ has been bothered by tendinitis in her right knee after suffering a dislocated kneecap. On Thursday, she dropped out of the Cup of Russia and the NHK Trophy skating competitions. Meissner finished sixth at the 2006 Olympics in Turin, Italy and won the 2007 U.S. Nationals, the last time the event was in Spokane. “After much thought and consideration for what is best for the U.S. team and my career, it is with great regret that I have decided that I must withdraw from my assigned Grand Prix events,” Meissner said in a statement. “For the United States to be represented properly, especially in an Olympic year, I feel I must put my personal desire to compete aside.” The 20-year-old Meissner has been plagued by injuries and inconsistent performances since winning her national crown. Her latest problem with the knee occurred while she was training in Florida and landed on the leg. “My knee had become chronically inflamed, swollen and painful,” Meissner said. “After some testing, along with an MRI, I was diagnosed with severe patellar tendinitis and a partial dislocation to my right kneecap.”