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Four-time Grand Prix series medalist Rika Kihira will miss the upcoming figure skating season because of a stress fracture in her right ankle that has not fully healed. The Japanese star made the announcement Wednesday. Kihira said recent MRI results showed the ankle healing but it has not reached the point where she could skate "at full strength and confidence." With just over a year left before the 2026 Milan-Cortina Olympics, Kihira decided in consultation with longtime coach Brian Orser to focus on recovery and training rather than trying to compete. The Grand Prix season begins with Skate America on Oct. 18 in Texas.
