Olympic champ Lysacek withdraws from nationals

Evan Lysacek, still recovering from sports hernia surgery, not competed since the Vancouver Olympics.

David J. Phillip/AP

Olympic champion Evan Lysacek's comeback is delayed again.

Lysacek has withdrawn from the upcoming U.S. Figure Skating Championships because of a slow recovery from surgery on a sports hernia. The national federation made the announcement Friday; the event begins Jan. 25.

The 27-year-old Lysacek had the surgery in November. He has been training with coaches Frank Carroll and Karen Kwan-Oppegard, but is not ready to resume competition.

He has not competed since the Vancouver Games in 2010.

Lysacek still hopes to be ready for the 2013-14 season and to skate at the Sochi Olympics.

"It's disappointing because health-wise I'm fine," Lysacek said. "Due to the long layoff from the surgery I still need about three more weeks to get back into competition form. The good news is I am finally healthy, back to a full training schedule and already working hard to be ready for next season to defend my Olympic title at the 2014 Olympics in Sochi."

Lysacek also is the 2009 world champion. He followed that victory in Los Angeles with his Olympic gold in Vancouver.