The 22-year-old skater is taking time for herself.
Gracie Gold is taking time for herself.
The 22-year-old skater released a statement on Friday announcing that she has pulled out of two key international events, making it unlikely that she will compete at the 2018 Winter Olympics. The Olympic bronze medalist and two-time national champion will not compete in Grand Prix events in China or France next month as she originally planned.
“It saddens me deeply to sit out this Grand Prix Series, but I know it is for the best," Gold said in the statement. "I am currently in treatment for depression, anxiety and an eating disorder. I will not have adequate training time to prepare and compete at the level that I want to."
In September, the figure skater announced that she was taking a break to "seek some professional help."
“My passion for skating and training remains strong,” Gold said in a statement. “However, after recent struggles on and off the ice, I realize I need to seek some professional help and will be taking some time off while preparing for my Grand Prix assignments."
"This time will help me become a stronger person," her statement continued, "which I believe will be reflected in my skating performances as well.”
The 2018 Winter Olympics will begin on Feb. 9 in Pyeongchang, South Korea.
