Figure Skating Injury Report: Kam and O'Shea, Sui and Han Bow Out of Grand Prix Following Olympic Toll

The International Skating Union's release of the 2026-2027 Grand Prix assignments in mid-June officially turned the page to a new figure skating season.[1][2][7]

But as fans scoured the rosters for the six-stop international circuit, the most notable storylines emerged from the names that were missing.[7][8]

Several prominent pairs teams who pushed their bodies to the absolute limit at the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics have opted out of the upcoming season, prioritizing their long-term health over another grueling competitive cycle.[1][8]

Leading the absences are American pair Ellie Kam and Danny O'Shea, who captured the hearts of fans by winning gold in both the team event and pairs free skate in Milan.[3][5]

Their triumphant Olympic run was the culmination of a journey paved with severe physical trauma that nearly ended their partnership before it began.[3][5]

In 2025, O'Shea suffered a devastating broken foot that required major surgery, leaving him with two plates and 11 screws holding his foot together.[3][5]

Shortly after his recovery, Kam sustained a severe concussion during a summer training fall, sidelining her for a month and throwing their Olympic preparations into chaos.[3][5]

Despite the immense pain and setbacks, the duo rallied to win the U.S. national title and deliver a career-best performance on the Olympic stage.[3][5]

However, the physical toll eventually caught up with them, forcing Kam and O'Shea to withdraw from the March 2026 World Championships due to lingering injuries.[3]

Their omission from the Grand Prix roster points to a well-earned soft retirement, allowing the 21-year-old Kam to focus on her college studies and the 35-year-old O'Shea—the oldest U.S. Olympic pairs skater since 1932—to end his career on the ultimate high note.[3][8]

Also missing from the Grand Prix circuit are Chinese pairs legends Sui Wenjing and Han Cong, who made a highly anticipated comeback for the Olympic season after initially retiring in 2022.[1][4]

The veteran duo battled through agonizing pain in Milan, with Sui managing an acute hip labral tear and a persistent bone bruise sustained at the Four Continents Championships in January.[4]

Relying on medication to sleep and compete, Sui and Han pushed through the pain to finish fifth overall, delivering a stunning free skate inspired by traditional Chinese culture.[4]

Following their final pose, the duo shared a poignant fist-and-palm salute, with Han confirming it was their final competitive skate and stating they had left no regrets on the ice.[4]

While these veterans are stepping away, the Grand Prix roster does feature remarkable injury comeback stories, including Great Britain's Kristen Spours.[6]

Spours underwent spinal surgery for a disc herniation in June 2025 and took a mental health hiatus, but returned to win the British national title and make her Olympic debut.[6]

The physical demands of figure skating—particularly the high-impact throws and overhead lifts in pairs—mean that injury management is a constant, unforgiving reality for elite competitors.[5][6]

By choosing to step away, athletes like Kam, O'Shea, Sui, and Han are setting a powerful example of prioritizing long-term well-being over the relentless pursuit of medals.[4][8]

Their departures now open up coveted Grand Prix spots for rising teams, setting the stage for a new, healthier era in pairs skating as the post-Olympic cycle begins.[2][7]