icenetwork.com

DeeDee Leng has been forced out of competition for the rest of this season with a back injury. (Michelle Harvath)

(10/28/2009) - Colorado Springs, Colo. -- DeeDee Leng, the 2009 U.S. junior champion, announced Wednesday that she will sit out the remainder of the 2009-10 competitive season because of a back injury. Leng last competed in the International Skating Union (ISU) Junior Grand Prix of Figure Skating Series event in Lake Placid, N.Y., Sept. 2-6, where she finished seventh.

Leng began experiencing pain in her back last week.

"Though I rested for a few days, the pain did not go away," said Leng, the 2007 U.S. novice pewter medalist. "My doctor recommended that I take more time off to rest my back, and I have decided to withdraw for the remainder of the season."

The 15-year-old is undergoing physical therapy and receiving acupuncture to help lessen the inflammation and muscle spasms and increase her range of motion.

Leng also announced that she has ended her year-long professional relationship with Maria Jezak-Athey at the International Skating Corporation in Bolingbrook and Northbrook, Ill., and will train with Julie Wang at the DuPage Figure Skating Club in Naperville, Ill.

"I thank Maria Jezak-Athey for all she has done for me this past year," Leng said. "I am also eager to work with Julie Wang this upcoming season."