Kwan's Olympic journey in speculation

Nine-times U.S. champion and Olympic silver medallist Michelle Kwan may give up the ticket to the Turin Winter Olympics which she had longed for due to unfavorable physical situations.

Kwan did not do a run through of her routine in Saturday morning's practice, arousing speculations that she might pull out of the women's singles competition to be held in 10 days' time.

"Dropping out. It's not something I want to do, but I have to listen to my feelings," Kwan said at a press conference Saturday afternoon.

"I got on the ice this morning and I was a little stiff," said Kwan, who missed this month's national championships and Olympic qualifying tournament with a groin injury but was awarded a berth in the U.S. team by the U.S. Figure Skating Association.

"Sitting outside for four hours yesterday (at the opening ceremony ) wasn't too good for my body. I was trying to listen to my body because I've been off the ice for a couple of days."

The U.S. Figure Skating Association's (USFSA) ignited controversy when it selected Kwan ahead of Emily Hughes, who finished third at the national championships. That decision was contingent on Kwan proving that she sufficiently recovered from the injury to compete at Turin.

Kwan insisted she had felt well before setting off for the Games held at the northern Italian city.

"I was feeling really well before I left. Coming here, feeling pretty cold," said Kwan.

If Kwan withdraws, Hughes will replace her to compete.

"As an alternate you have to be 100 percent prepared," Kwan said. "The world championships are in a month so it's always good to be ready for them."

Kwan has competed only sporadically since the last Olympics, when she was upset by compatriot Sarah Hughes, Emily's older sister.

Source: Xinhua