02. September 2009  
Indianapolis, Houston/USA  
Artistic Gymnastics

Liukin to skip 2009 Worlds, but eyes 2012 Olympics

Olympic champion Nastia Liukin (USA) withdrew her name from consideration for the world gymnastics championships, saying she hasn't had enough time to train.
Liukin, the third U.S. woman in history to win the Olympic title, has been in high demand since she left Beijing, but the schedule wreaked havoc on her training regimen.
Liukin said she still intends to compete for a spot on the 2012 Olympic team but is not prepared now to compete on the world level....
"With the selection process for worlds beginning next week, I realized I need to take some time to get myself where I need and want to be competitively," she said in a statement released by the US Gymnastics Federation.
"Competing at a world championships is an incredible experience, and I look forward to supporting my teammates as they prepare for London.
The 2012 Olympics in London remain an important goal for me. I have more to accomplish in this sport."
* Source: US gymnastics; Houston Chronicle