As if the Sochi Olympics needed another disappointment, Evgeni Plushenko has withdrawn from competition ... and the sport that made him famous.
With his hands on his heart and a brave smile on his face, the figure skating great was escorted off the ice by his coach moments just into his routine.
The announcer told a shocked audience of his decision.
The 31-year-old skater was one of the most anticipated men's competitors of the games.
He had undergone back surgery in 2013 but had spoken hopefully of his recovery and was trying to add another medal to his collection.
He earned a gold medal in 2006, two silvers in 2002 and 2010, and has already won the team gold medal in Sochi this year.
An AP tweet confirms Plushenko has retired from skating entirely.
To see some more Olympians still in competition in Sochi, check out our gallery of hottest athletes.
1. Ashley Wagner
22-year-old figure skater Ashley Wagner is one of the most talked-about American athletes in this year's games.
3. Heather Richardson
American speed skater Heather Richardson won gold at the 2013 World Sprint Championships last year.
4. Aja Evans
Aja Evans is a bobsledder for Team USA. And she also happens to be gorgeous.
5. Alena Zavarzina
The stunning 24-year-old Alena snowboards for Russia.
7. Torah Bright
This Aussie snowboarder already nabbed a gold in Vancouver.
8. Shani Davis
US speedskater Shani Davis became the first black athlete to win an individual gold medal in the Winter Olympics.
9. Silje Norendal
This Norwegian snowboarder has gotten plenty attention for her talent and her bombshell good looks.
10. Chloe, Maxime and Justine Dufour-Lapointe
The Dufour-Lapointe sisters prove that talent runs in the family -- the trio of Canadian skiers all made it to Sochi! Justine and Chloe already took silver and gold.
11. Sage Kotsenburg
The American took the first gold medal in Snowboard Slopestyle.
13. Luca Lanotte and Anna Cappellini
These Italian ice dancers make for one attractive and graceful duo.
14. Julie Chu
US Ice Hockey team member Julie Chu is a Harvard alum.
15. Ted Ligety
US alpine ski racer Ted Ligety picked up gold in Turin.
16. Rosalind Groenewoud
Canadian freeskier Roz Groenewoud is a halfpipe champ.
17. Lolo Jones
You might remember Lolo from past summer games, whe
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