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Olympic skating duo: ‘Our hearts go out’ to Evan Lysacek

Figure skater Evan Lysacek’s announcement on TODAY Tuesday that he will not be competing for a spot at Sochi due to a series of injuries is hitting home with other Olympic hopefuls — who all know that, at any point, their dreams could be dashed for the same reason.“It’s just disappointing as a competitor when you can’t achieve the things you want because of injury," Charlie White, who ic

Figure skater Evan Lysacek’s announcement on TODAY Tuesday that he will not be competing for a spot at Sochi due to a series of injuries is hitting home with other Olympic hopefuls — who all know that, at any point, their dreams could be dashed for the same reason.

“It’s just disappointing as a competitor when you can’t achieve the things you want because of injury," Charlie White, who ice dances with Meryl Davis, told TODAY.com. “So we really feel for him, and our hearts go out. He really is so dedicated that it’s tough to see, but he’s a great guy and he’ll persevere really well.”

“As an athlete we all kind of understand the work that goes into what it is we’re able to put out onto the ice,” added Davis. “So anytime somebody’s not able to go after their dreams because of an injury holding them back, it’s definitely something that we all feel for that person.”

Other athletes, including skier Lindsey Vonn — who is on the mend from her own injury —tweeted their support for Lysacek.

Sad+to+hear+my+friend+@EvanLysacek+won't+be+in+the+Sochi+Olympics.+He's+a+fighter+and+I+know+he'll+be+back.+#olympicfamily

—+lindsey+vonn+(@lindseyvonn)+December+10,+2013+

Very+proud+of+a+great+champion,+@EvanLysacek+and+his+graceful+bow-out+of+the+Sochi+Olympics+this+morning+on+@TODAYshow.

—+Johnny+Weir-Voronov+(@JohnnyGWeir)+December+10,+2013+

To+hear+@evanlysacek+speak+with+@todayshow+about+NOT+being+in+Sochi+was+heartbreaking.+I+wish+him+a+fast+&+full+recovery!+We+r+praying+4+you

—+Scott+Hamilton+(@ScottHamilton84)+December+10,+2013+

Sorry+to+hear+the+news+about+@EvanLysacek.+He's+such+a+great+training+mate+and+I+wish+him+a+speedy+recovery!

—+Gracie+Gold+(@GraceEGold)+December+10,+2013+


Davis, 26, and White, 26, 2010 Olympic silver medalists who have been skating together since they were 10 years old, took gold in the ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating Final in Japan on Saturday — leading them to a world record of 15 straight Grand Prix gold medals. With Lysacek out of the running, all eyes are on them as figure skating favorites heading into Sochi. While some say the U.S. figure skating team’s chances for success in Sochi look bleak, White remains positive.

“We’ve got our nationals, our U.S. championships coming up soon, and I think that’s where the final team will be decided,” said White. “It’s going to be hard to go wrong in every discipline. We have really fantastic skating, so we’re just excited to be able to compete, and hope to represent the U.S. at the Olympics."