Figure Skater Gracie Gold Taking Time Off To Seek 'Professional Help'

Gracie Gold is taking a step back from the ice.

The Olympic bronze medalist announced this week that she’ll be taking some time off to seek professional help, according to USA Today.

“My passion for skating and training remains strong,” Gracie shared in a statement. “However, after recent struggles on and off the ice, I realize I need to seek some professional help and will be taking some time off while preparing for my Grand Prix assignments.”

She adds, “This time will help me become a stronger person, which I believe will be reflected in my skating performances as well.”

Gracie will be competing in two Grand Prix competitions in November, leading up to the 2018 U.S. Olympic figure skating trials in January. There are three spots open for women on the U.S. Olympic figure skating team.

The news comes just shortly after Russian figure skater Yulia Lipnitskaya announced her retirement.