Vancouver champ Evan Lysacek announces return to skating
Though we're in the midst of the Summer Olympics, Sochi's Winter Games are a scant 545 days away. One indicator of how close it is? Evan Lysacek, the figure skating champ from 2010, announced he will be back. Lysacek's first skating event since winning gold will be Skate America in Kent, Wash., in October.
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He made the announcement on the "Today" show to announce what was expected as Lysacek switched from an entertainment-minded agent to one who understands sports. He had been in a dispute with U.S. Figure Skating, but told the Chicago Tribune everything is worked out. He even saw an upside to delaying a year:
"I think the most positive thing of delaying a year is I have had a whole year to train before jumping back into competition," he said. "I feel much more prepared than I was a year ago."
Lysacek's return comes at a time when the U.S. could use an infusion of talent. The world championships ended with Jeremy Abbott in eighth and Adam Rippon in 13th. Ashley Wagner's fourth-place finish was a nice surprise on the women's side, but Alissa Czisny took 13th. Only ice dancers Meryl Davis and Charlie White are a true medal threat.
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