SOCHI WINTER OLYMPICS 2014: Evgeni Plushenko ends career abruptly after withdrawing from final competition in Sochi

Evgeni Plushchenko of Russia waves to fans as he withdraws from the competition after warm up during the Men's Figure Skating Short Program on day 6 of the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics at the at Iceberg Skating Palace on February 13, 2014 in Sochi, Russia. Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images

By Edna Zhou, AIPS

SOCHI, February 14, 2014 - Russian figure skating champion Evgeni Plushenko stunned the Olympic host nation last night when he ended his career abruptly, withdrawing from his final event due to injury seconds before he was due to skate. Fans packed the Iceberg Skating Palace in Sochi, ready and expecting to be wowed by the four-time Olympian. They chanted his nickname, "Zhenya", as he warmed up on the ice. However, the 31-year old, scheduled first in the second group of skaters, was noticeably in pain as he practiced his jumps during those six minutes. He would later tell reporters that he felt "terrible pain" in his leg after attempting a triple axel in the warm-up, followed by another "terrible landing" after which he could not feel his legs. The crowd quickly transitioned from wild cheering to stunned silence as they watched Plushenko step into the rink, skate over to the judges' table, then slowly make his way off the ice as the speakers announced that he would be withdrawing for medical reasons. Disbelief spread throughout the arena, then quiet murmurs began as the shock of the announcement set in. Many chose to simply leave as the remaining 23 skaters performed their routines. "I am sorry for my fans and for everybody," apologized Plushenko afterwards, clearly in emotional pain as well as physical. "I almost cried. It's hard, believe me. This is not how I wanted to end my career. I am very disappointed. But I tried to do my best." Plushenko had helped Russia win gold in the inaugural team figure skating event earlier in the week, his fourth Olympic medal after two silvers at the Games in Torino 2006 and Vancouver 2010, and gold in Salt Lake in 2002. Doubts began to surface shortly after the team event that he would not compete, as he complained of feeling pain in his back and spine almost immediately upon finishing. When asked if his amateur career really was finished, Plushenko laughed a little and immediately said, "Yes. I think yes." He added that of course he would keep skating, but first he would need "a very big rest", followed by treatment and rehabilitation. His withdrawal leaves Russia without a contender in the men's program, which finishes tonight with the men's free skate.