Evgeni Plushenko ruled out of figure skating event with back injury

Russian Federation figure skater Evgeni Plushenko has been ruled out of the men's short programme at the Sochi Winter Olympics with a back injury.

The 31-year-old, chasing his fifth Olympic medal, landed awkwardly after a jump and spin in practice and has had to withdraw from the event, much to the chagrin of the crowd at the Iceberg Skating Palace.

The injury means that he won't be able to attempt a repeat of the 2006 Winter Olympics in Turin - winning gold in the men's short programme - in front of a home crowd.

Plushenko helped Russia win the team figure skating gold medal last Sunday.