Olympic medalist Gracie Gold excuses for next 2018s

NEW YORK: US ladies figure skating champion and Olympic medalist Gracie Gold has exempted from Winter Olympics to be held next year.

According to People magazine, Gracie withdrew her intention to participate in Olympics 2018 following a diet disorder.

She announced that she is taking time off "to seek some professional help" only five months before the start of the Winter Olympics.

"It breaks my heart to withdraw from the 2018 U.S. Championships," the 22 year old lamented while adding; "I am still undergoing treatment for depression, anxiety and an eating disorder".

"I have not had adequate training time in order to perform at the level at which I want to," the statement continued. "It pains me not to compete in this Olympic season, but I know it’s for the best.

“I wish everyone the best of luck and will be cheering you all on. I want to thank everyone for the ongoing love and support. It means the world to me," said the two-time U.S. national champion and a 2014 Olympic bronze medalist.

Gold, in October had also announced step back from her scheduled competitions in the Grand Prix of Figure Skating this month to pursue treatment.

"My passion for skating and training remains strong," Gold said in the statement. "However, after recent struggles on and off the ice, I realize I need to seek some professional help and will be taking some time off while preparing for my Grand Prix assignments. This time will help me become a stronger person, which I believe will be reflected in my skating performances as well."

"Definitely athletes in the spotlight — figure skaters, especially — are under pressure to fit a certain mold, and fit a certain body type," Gold said. "It's really easy to be critical of ourselves in that way ... oh, this person's arms look a little bigger. It's easy to start playing that game. But people have different builds. I think a lot of athletes struggle with that."