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<< Previous   of   Next >>   ADVERTISEMENT   CONTACT THE HERALD Report scores and results to 425-339-3470 or 1-866-6-SCORES (Call after 4:30 p.m.) E-mail information including items for Tuesday's Communities Sports Roundup and Thursday's Outdoor Calendar, to sports@heraldnet.com Kevin Brown, Sports Editor kbrown@heraldnet.com   Published: Thursday, January 8, 2009 Back injury forces Belbin-Agosto out of U.S. Figure Skating Championships Associated Press COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. -- Tanith Belbin and Ben Agosto will have to share the record for U.S. dance titles a little while longer. Belbin and Agosto withdrew from this month's U.S. Figure Skating Championships on Thursday because of his back injury. It's the same injury that knocked the Olympic silver medalists out of last month's Grand Prix final. "I am getting excellent treatment from my doctors, but my back simply needs more time to mend. There's just no way to rush the healing process on this one," Agosto said in a statement from U.S. Figure Skating. Belbin and Agosto were favored to win a record sixth title at nationals, which begin Jan. 19 in Cleveland. They have won five straight, tying them with four other couples. Their withdrawal opens the door for up-and-comers Meryl Davis and Charlie White. The duo, second last year, won the bronze medal at the Grand Prix final. Belbin and Agosto still intend to compete at the world championships in March in Los Angeles. Results there determine how many entries countries get at next year's Vancouver Olympics, and a healthy Belbin and Agosto would likely give the United States three dance teams for a second straight Olympics. "The good news is that I am making progress," Agosto said, "and I hope to begin training again in a few weeks." Belbin and Agosto are the most successful dance team the United States has ever produced. In addition to their silver medal at the Turin Games, they have a silver and two bronzes from the world championships. READER COMMENTS Be the first to comment. You must be a registered user and verify your e-mail address to post comments to blogs or articles on HeraldNet. To register, click here. To read other terms and conditions, click here. Log out

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