Yuzuru Hanyu will miss the world championships in France later this month after spraining his right ankle at the Beijing Olympics, the Japan Skating Federation said Tuesday.
The two-time Olympic gold medalist finished fourth last month in China where he suffered the injury during practice a day before his free skate. He admitted the severity of it would have seen him pull out had it not been the Olympics.
The 27-year-old took a painkilling injection ahead of the free skate at the Capital Indoor Stadium rink and although he failed to land his quad axel, he became the first skater to be officially recorded as attempting the jump at a major international tournament.
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Following the exhibition, Hanyu was coy over his participation at the world championships in Montpellier starting March 23.
"There are things I've yet to take a clear stand upon, and that includes my future. I will take everything into consideration in my decision about the worlds," he said at the time.
Meanwhile, 16-year-old Kao Miura will make his debut appearance at the championships.
