World Figure Skating Championships 2022 - Are Yuzuru Hanyu and Nathan competing? Who will challenge?

ByRichard Newman

Updated 22/03/2022 at 09:29 GMT

Both Yuzuru Hanyu and Nathen Chen will be absent from the 2022 World Figure Skating Championships with the former missing out on the event in Montpellier, France, because of an ankle injury he picked up at the Winter Olympics and the latter due to an undisclosed injury Watch the action on Eurosport and discovery+.

All eyes will be on the contenders with both Yuzuru Hanyu and Nathan Chen missing from the 2022 World Figure Skating Championships, as well as no Russian athletes.

The World Championships take place in Montpellier between March 21-27, with competition starting properly on March 23, with coverage across Eurosport and discovery+.

Will Yuzuru Hanyu be at the World Figure Skating Championships?

Figure Skating

‘There's no sadness’ - Figure skating legend Hanyu retires

19/07/2022 at 16:37

Once again, Yuzuru Hanyu’s ankle has let him down and he will miss the World Figure Skating Championships.

Hanyu sprained his ankle before the free skate at the Winter Olympics, having already given himself a mountain to climb when he fell while attempting a quadruple axel in the short program.

The Japanese legend’s right ankle has held him back for the majority of the last five years, leading to doubts about his future - though he has hinted he could return for Milan-Cortina in 2026.

There have been few chances for Hanyu’s adoring ‘Fanyus’ to see their man in action over the past few years, and the Winnie the Pooh cuddly toys they throw on to the ice for him will need to be stored away for a little longer yet.

‘Oh boy! He's not going to retain his Olympic title’ – Huge blunder hits Hanyu Olympic dream

Will Nathan Chen be at the World Figure Skating Championships?

Sadly Nathan Chen is set to miss the upcoming 2022 World Championships after revealing a battle with an undisclosed injury.

In a statement, Chen said: "I am disappointed to have to withdraw from Worlds.

"I have been training for this competition since returning from Beijing.

"I have a nagging injury that I've been dealing with, and I don’t want to risk further injury by practicing and competing next week.”

Watch Chen's spellbinding world record figure skating routine at Beijing 2022

Who will challenge in absence of big stars at the World Figure Skating Championships?

Even without Hanyu and Chen in France, there should be some exceptional skating. Yuma Kagiyama of Japan won silver at the Olympics and the last World Championships, while compatriot and Beijing bronze medallist Shoma Uno is also likely to be a contender.

‘That’s what an Olympic champion should look like!’ – Chen dazzles at gala

Figure Skating

Two-time world champion Hanyu calls press conference sparking retirement speculation

18/07/2022 at 10:10

World Championships

World Championships will be ‘much more interesting’ with competition so open – Savchenko

23/03/2022 at 08:46

World Championships

Chen to miss 2022 World Championships with 'nagging injury'

16/03/2022 at 16:42