Figure skating star Kim Yu-na has decided not to take part in the upcoming Winter Asian Games due to a back injury.

After a close medical examination, officials at the Korea Skating Union decided that the 17-year-old Kim should withdraw her bid from the Winter Games because of concern that her injury could worsen. Kim suffers from an early-stage herniated disc.

Choi Ji-eun will replace her on the national team for the competition to be held in the Chinese city of Changchun from January 29th to February 4th.

Kim’s withdrawal has dimmed the team's gold medal prospects. She took home the gold in the World Junior Figure Skating Championships and the International Skating Union Grand Prix last year, becoming the first Korean world figure skating champion in the sport’s 100-year history in Korea.