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In an interview carried on the Russian Skating
Federation's website, Medvedeva - who topped the podium in Grand
Prix events in Moscow and Osaka - said she felt pain before the
Russian event in October but was able to compete after taking
painkillers.
She was then diagnosed with having a crack in a bone in her
right foot but she decided to compete in Japan earlier this
month.
"Yes, there was a big risk that my leg and foot would not stand
it. But this is the Olympic season," Medvedeva was quoted as
saying, adding that she had never missed a meet because of an
injury.
"After the short program, I was worse. For the free program, I
skated on strong painkillers."
An MRI in Japan confirmed the injury and on her return to Moscow
she was put in a cast, she said, adding that she was undergoing
rehabilitation and doing everything she could to get back on her
skates.
She added that she hoped she could still take part in the Grand
Prix Final.
"If doctors do not allow me to compete in Japan, that would be
the worse-case scenario. It would be very difficult to watch
from the sidelines," she was quoted as saying.
"But I very much hope this will not happen."
If Medvedeva is unable to take part she would not be the only
big name missing from the Final, which is to be held in Japan
from Dec. 7-10.
Home favorite Yuzuru Hanyu is out with an injured ankle, while
Canada's Patrick Chan has dropped out to devote himself to
training after a disappointing finish in Skate Canada.
While there was no suggestion that Medvedeva's injury could
prevent her from competing at the Winter Games in February, the
International Olympic Committee has yet to decide on Russia’s
participation amid ongoing questions over its anti-doping
program.
The IOC is set to make the decision at its executive board
meeting on Dec. 5-7.
(Reporting by Clara Ferreira Marques, writing by Elaine Lies;
Editing by Peter Rutherford)
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