Johnny Weir competes at the Olympics in Vancouver.

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. -- Johnny Weir needs a break.

The figure skater announced Tuesday he will not compete at the world championships later this month in Turin, Italy. But he's not calling it quits, either, saying he hopes the work he does for next season will be the "most exciting of my career."

"While I understand the importance of competition, I feel that a short break at this time would be personally beneficial to me," said Weir, who was sixth at the Vancouver Olympics. "I can assure everyone that I will be re-energized after I've had time to rework my technique.

"I want to be a better competitor and win medals for my country and I hope everyone can respect my decision to take this time off."

Weir will be replaced by Adam Rippon, winner of the last two junior world titles.

With worlds beginning less than a month after the games end, it's not unusual for some of the biggest names to take a pass in an Olympic year.

Olympic men's champion Evan Lysacek had already said he will not defend his title at worlds, which begin March 22 in Turin. Ice dancers Oksana Domnina and Maxim Shabalin, who added the Olympic bronze medal to their world title from last year, are also taking a pass.

Weir has spent much of the last week on a media blitz in New York and Los Angeles. But the fan favourite expects to be back on the ice soon.

"I will continue to work hard," he said, "and I hope my work for next season will be the most exciting of my career."