Olympic bronze medalist Irina Slutskaya of Russia has confirmed her decision not to defend her title at next week's World Figure Skating Championships in Calgary, Canada.
On Monday, Russian media quoted the two-time world champion as saying "I will not go to Calgary." Last week, it was reported that Slutskaya was considering taking part in the season's final major championship.
The 27-year-old skater said her failure to win an Olympic gold medal is the biggest disappointment in her career. But Slutskaya went on to describe herself as a fighter and said she "will not give up."
None of Russia's Olympic figure skating champions plan to compete in Calgary, from March 20 to 26. Russians won the pairs, ice dancing and men's gold medals at last month's Turin Winter Games.
Some information for this report was provided by Reuters.