Michelle Kwan has enrolled at the University of Denver, and her only figure skating appearances this season will be in exhibitions.
``Each year, since 2002, I have taken a one-year-at-a-time approach to my figure skating plans,'' the nine-time U.S and five-time world champion said Wednesday. ``Education is very important to me, and this year I have decided to put college first.
``Next year at this time I will again evaluate all my options, including returning to competitive skating.''
The 26-year-old Californian did not compete in 2005-06 because of injuries. She was chosen for the U.S. Olympic team on a medical bye, then injured her groin in the first practice in Turin, Italy, and withdrew.
Kwan underwent arthroscopic surgery last month to repair a torn labrum in her right hip, an injury she sustained during 2004-2005. The rehab lasts about four months, another factor in her decision to skip this season.
Kwan won silver at the 1998 Olympics and bronze in 2002. She previously attended UCLA, earning a year worth of credits that have been transferred to Denver. Kwan plans to major in political science, with a minor in international studies.
