Yahoo Article-Slutskaya Quits Worlds Over Mom's Illness

[Kabooke]

Irina Article (http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/ap/20030317/ap_on_sp_ot/fig_worlds_slutskaya_withdraws_1)



The Russian skating federation would make the official announcement later Monday or Tuesday, a source close to Slutskaya, speaking on condition of anonymity, told The Associated Press.The federation also will make a substitution for Slutskaya at that time.


Both the International Skating Union (news - web sites), which sanctions the world championships, and U.S. organizers of the event were awaiting word from the Russian federation.


Slutskaya's mother, Natalia, is on dialysis, and the skater has spent much of her time recently with her mother.

"There has not been time to prepare," Slutskaya said.

[pilgrimsoul]

This is so sad. My heart aches for Irina. I know how hard it is to see your mom gravely ill and not be able to do anything about it except just to be there for her. My prayers are with Irina and her mom right now. Irina's presence will be missed at Worlds. :cry:

[ceceB]

That's awful. I think Irina made the right choice though. I know if my mom was that sick, being so far away would be too hard. Also, she would probably be too distracted.

MY heart goes out to her.

[professordeb]

That really is too bad and I too will keep Irina and her mom in my prayers. The bigger sacrifice in my opinion, would be for her to not be with her mom. This does change things a bit, I would think, as to who might be on the podium.

til later,
Deb

[sugar4]

I will be keeping Irina and her family in my prayers. I can understand Irina putting her Mother first as I have read that they are close and I'm certain that her Mother's illness takes prioity over any skating competition.

[2boysmom]

Sorry Irina won't be at Worlds but she certainly made the right decision. I am sure her Mom appreciates it immensely. Here's hoping for a complete recovery for Irina's Mom.