A withdrawal

Melissa Gregory and Denis Petukhov have withdrawn from the 2008 U.S. National Championships in St. Paul, Minnesota.

“It is with great regret that we have to withdraw from this year's nationals,” Gregory said. “When we had our accident at Skate Canada, everyone focused on my injuries, but Denis also suffered injuries when he hit the boards.”

“The loss of practice time at this crucial juncture, combined with my unsuccessful efforts to rehabilitate my injured knee, have left us unable to compete at the highest level,” Petukhov said. “Our doctor has strongly recommended that we take the time to heal so that we may be back at 100 percent for next season.”

The fall at Skate Canada was terrible and I can certainly understand why this step is necessary. I hope that they get better soon.

But the withdrawal means we can revisit the possible podium at Nationals. Barring a catastrophic event Belbin and Agosto will win. Probably looks like Davis and White are shoe-ins for silver...but who gets the bronze? Samuelson and Bates? Navarro and Bommentre? Interesting competition ahead!