Olympics Columnist Cathy Harasta

Michelle, get real and announce your retirement instead of stalling the inevitable.

Five-time world champion Michelle Kwan has decided to return to college full time and sit out the competitive figure skating season. She underwent hip surgery last month to repair an old injury, with a full recovery expected.

But a full recovery won't do it for Kwan. The athleticism required under the recently implemented scoring system waits for no woman. Kwan, 26, can't expect to enjoy the draining task of getting back into elite skating's groove after a long layoff.

Another Winter Games isn't in the cards for Kwan, who never won an Olympic gold medal but ranks among history's most accomplished and engaging athletes.

She made a great call in deciding to resume her higher education. Kwan, who earned one year's worth of credits at UCLA, will study political science and international studies at the University of Denver.

"Next year at this time, I will again evaluate all my options including returning to competitive skating," Kwan said in a U.S. Figure Skating release on Wednesday.

Next year, she'll be closer to her higher education goals and still a top draw in the ice shows. But Olympic-style competition will be beyond her reach.

E-mail charasta@dallasnews.com