Alexa Scimeca Knierim and Chris Knierim<http://web.icenetwork.com/skaters/team/scimeca_knierim>, the 2015 U.S. pairs champions, announced today they have withdrawn from 2016 Rostelecom Cup and 2016 Cup of China as Scimeca Knierim recovers from a medical procedure.
“The 2016 calendar year has been defined by equal parts festivity and frustration,” Scimeca Knierim said. “As many of you know, Chris and I were married in June, on what was unquestionably the happiest day of our lives. However, in the weeks leading up to our big day I was privately battling a series of internal ailments that left doctors baffled and my body in overwhelming pain.”
Scimeca Knierim’s symptoms persisted throughout the summer, resulting in sleepless nights, weight loss and time off the ice and away from training.
After months of tests and observation, her team of doctors determined the source of Scimeca Knierim’s discomfort and she recently underwent a medical procedure to alleviate the problem and has been given a clean bill of health. The team has resumed light training and hopes to be back on the ice later this year.
“Fortunately, I have a tremendous partner, both on and off the ice, along with a wonderful coach and a great team surrounding me,” Scimeca Knierim said. “After months of uncertainty and concern, it is unbelievably liberating to announce that I have a clean bill of health, along with a renewed sense of faith, focus and fortitude. This experience has been as humbling as it is inspiring, and Chris and I are now hungrier than we've ever been.
“I remain empowered by your continuous thoughts, prayers and words of encouragement. I want to thank my husband, our families and our physicians, along with our coach Dalilah Sappenfield, U.S. Figure Skating, our agency, our friends and most of all, you the fans.”
Additional updates will be provided as necessary.
– U.S. Figure Skating –
U.S. Figure Skating is the national governing body for the sport of figure skating in the United States as recognized by the United States Olympic Committee and the International Skating Union. U.S. Figure Skating is comprised of more than 700 member clubs, collegiate clubs, school-affiliated clubs and more than 1,000 registered Learn to Skate USA programs representing more than 181,700 members. U.S. Figure Skating is charged with the development of the sport on all levels within the United States including athletes, officials, sanctioning of events and exhibitions, and establishing the rules and guidelines by which the sport is governed.