Goebel withdraws from U.S. championships

ATLANTA - Olympic bronze medalist Tim Goebel withdrew from the U.S. Figure Skating Championships on Friday night because of a medical condition that&#39;s hindered his training all year.<br> <br> A doctor who examined Goebel on Friday found ``distinct changes to my anatomical structure,&#39;&#39; the skater said in a statement. No other explanation was given, but Goebel was expected to appear at a news conference later Friday night.<br> <br> ``I have decided that I can no longer compete this season in the shape that I am currently in,&#39;&#39; Goebel said. ``I plan to take the next several months to remedy my current physical and equipment problems which have plagued me for the entire season.<br> <br> ``I plan to do everything in my power to perform next season at a level that exceeds my accomplishments in the past.&#39;&#39;<br> <br> Goebel has had troubles with his skates all season, going through 13 pairs just since June. The skates caused so much pain he couldn&#39;t practice his trademark quadruple jumps with any consistency. He had trouble doing footwork and spins, too.<br> <br> He withdrew from Skate America in hopes of finding a solution to the problems. He competed in two Grand Prix events, winning the Cup of China and finishing second at NHK Trophy, but his skates still didn&#39;t feel quite right.<br> <br> After he finished fourth at the International Figure Skating Challenge in early December, he&#39;d had enough. He withdrew from the Grand Prix final, saying he needed to find a pair of skates that worked, and he needed to do it in time for the national championships.<br> <br> Though Goebel thought he&#39;d found a solution, his short program Thursday night was a disaster. He fell on all three of his required jumps and finished in 10th, so far down he likely wouldn&#39;t have made the team for the world championships.<br> <br> In addition to his bronze medal from Salt Lake City, Goebel has won silver medals at the last two world championships. Considered the ``Quad King,&#39;&#39; he was first American man to land a quadruple jump in competition and was the first in the world to land three quads in one program.