Photo: Matthew Stockman/International Skating Union via Getty
Figure skaters Alexa Knierim and Brandon Frazier withdrew from the competition on Wednesday after Frazier fell ill and tested positive for the coronaviurs.
Frazier, 29, posted an emotionalInstagram videoin which he revealed that the pair was forced to withdraw due to the competition’s safety protocols.
“As some of you know already, Alexa and I had to withdraw from this week’s U.S. Championships,” theOlympic hopefulshared. “Late yesterday evening, I started developing severe symptoms and as protocol for the medical staff, they tested me.”
“After receiving positive tests, I remained isolated in my room and of course, safety is the top priority for everyone at the event, so we had to withdraw. And although my symptoms are pretty bad, nothing sucks more than not being able to compete,” he added.
Knierim, 30, also shared on social media that the duo’s withdrawal from competition was “shocking and devastating” as they had taken proper safety measures prior to the event and Frazier was vaccinated and had recieved his booster.
“We have taken all the necessary precautions leading up to these Championships, including but not limited to social distancing, the use of KN95 masks and canceling all holiday gatherings as well as private lessons at the rink,” she wrote onInstagram. “We have done everything in our power to prepare for this event and were ready to compete and defend our national title.”
The pair were considered favorites to win before they bowed out of the competition and were not able to perform their short program on Thursday. They were expected to go up against Ashley Cain-Gribble and Timothy LeDuc, Jessica Calalang and Brian Johnson, and Audrey Lu and Misha Mitrofanov.
Knierim said Wednesday night that the duo plan to petition the selection committee for one of two pairs' spots on theOlympic team, according toNBC Sports.
Joosep Martinson/International Skating Union via Getty
Knierim revealed, “Brandon and I have accumulated an extremely strong body of work that positions us at the top of the field nationally and we are not letting go of our Olympic dream.”
“That said, we have the utmost respect for the selection committee and believe that they will make decisions based on the best interest of our team and our country,” she added.
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In addition to winning last year’s national competition, Knierim and Frazier — who become partners in 2020 — placed seventh at the 2021 World Championships and had the highest score of all American pairs at Grand Prix Series this fall.
source: people.com
