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February 15, 2014

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Russia mourns Plushenko 鈥榯ragedgy鈥

Russia yesterday mourned the “tragedy” of Yevgeny Plushenko’s dramatic retirement from the Olympic men’s figure skating competition but many questioned the wisdom of his decision to compete with a back injury.

Plushenko’s withdrawal, which prompted him to retire, means the Sochi Games will be the first time since Sarajevo 1984 that the USSR or post-Soviet Russia win no medals in the men’s singles event.

The withdrawal of Plushenko was met with shock from the crowd as they hoped to witness history being made by the popular athlete.

It was also controversial given he was selected over Russian champion Maxim Kovtun.

According to NTV television, Plushenko had asked to withdraw two days before the men’s short program. The Russian Skating Federation then turned to Kovtun, 18, as a replacement but couldn’t find him. Apparently furious at his treatment, Kovtun had turned off his mobile phone.

The federation did not comment.


 

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