Olympic champion Evgeny Plyushchenko backpedalled on his earlier statement that was forced to skate with an injury.

      In his interview to CNN, the renowned figure skater admitted it was the federation that didn't find a replacement for him.

      A couple of words later, Plyushchenko took his words back, saying it was a misinterpretation of his statement and the reason for it was his poor English.

      Plyushchenko had to withdraw from individual events over an injury in the warmup session.

      Russians have been split about his decision, with some saying he should have quit, giving way to young talents.