Kimmie Meissner has withdrawn from the 2009 U.S. Figure Skating Championships in Cleveland, which started today. Kimmie suffered an injury to a hip flexor doing a treadmill workout, and apparently aggravated it doing some off-ice jump training last week.

Kimmie’s absence from nationals removes any possibility of her making the world team for Los Angeles in March. I was really looking forward to seeing her compete this week.

Wishing her the best — heal up, girl!:D

A very down to Earth young lady. 2008 World Junior Champion and 2008 US Nationals silver medalist. A very powerful skater highly regarded for her artistry.

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Rachael Flatt’s championship winning performance at the 2008 World Junior Championships. An absolutely beautiful program that really illustrates Rachael’s incredible artistry and music interpretation.

Brought to you in YouTube Vision:

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Rachael will be making her senior level international debut at Skate America next week in Everett, Washington. The event will be held October 24-26 at the Comcast Arena.

In November, Rachael will be traveling to Moscow to participate in the Cup of Russia. The event will be held November 20-23 at the Ice Palace Megasport.

As part of the ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating, high placement at these events will earn Rachael a berth at the Grand Prix of Figure Skating Final in December in Goyang, South Korea.

Good Luck @ Skate America, Rachael!!!!

Photo from Rachael Flatt’s practice session Thursday prior to the Skate America competition.

Photo: Michael O’Leary/ The Herald (Everett, WA)