No Weir at world championships, but look for him to be back next season

Weir drops out of figure skating championships

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — Johnny Weir says he won’t compete at the World Figure Skating Championships later this month, but his career isn’t done.

Weir, who finished sixth at the Vancouver Olympics last month, said in a statement Tuesday he wants time to “reassess” his strategies and goals. He’ll be replaced by Adam Rippon, winner of the last two junior world titles.

Weir, the U.S. champion from 2004-06, says he plans to spend the next few months training, and will be “re-energized” by the break from competition.

Weir is the second U.S. man to drop out of world championships in Turin, Italy, March 22-28. Olympic champion Evan Lysacek said last month he won’t defend his world title.