Kimmie Meissner's Olympics in doubt after Prix pull out

Kimmie Meissner, the 2006 world champion and 2007 US champion, will miss her figure skating Grand Prix dates due to a knee injury putting her hopes of competing in next year's Vancouver Olympics in doubt.

Meissner had been assigned to the Cup of Russia from October 22 and the NHK Trophy from November 5 in Japan. 

"After much thought and consideration for what is best for the US Team and my career, it is with great regret that I have decided that I must withdraw from my assigned Grand Prix events," Meissner said.

Meissner, who was sixth in the Winter Games in Turin in 2006, said she began experiencing pain in her right knee during training earlier this year.

"For the United States to be represented properly, especially during an Olympic year, I feel I must put my personal desire to compete aside," Meissner said.

She missed the US national championships in January due to a hip injury. The Olympics run from February 12 to 28, 2010.