Olympic Ice Dancers Jean-Luc Baker, Kaitlin Hawayek Withdraw from Grand Prix Due to Concussion and Mental Health Concerns

Baker's Concussion from Practice Fall and Hawayek's Recent Mental Health Break Prompt Decision; Duo Aims for Return at U.S. Championships in January.

Olympic ice dancers Jean-Luc Baker and Kaitlin Hawayek have withdrawn from both of their Grand Prix assignments due to Baker's concussion from a practice fall and Hawayek's mental health concerns.
The duo was planning to make a comeback at the Grand Prix de France and the NHK Trophy, events they triumphed in 2018 for their only senior-level Grand Prix win.
Baker has previously sustained concussions in 2015 and 2018 during practices, which resulted in the pair's withdrawal from various events, but they managed to return in time for the Grand Prix season.
Hawayek also sustained a concussion two years ago after falling on a lift in practice, however, the pair rebounded with a third-place finish at nationals and secured a spot on the Olympic team.
In an official statement, Baker and Hawayek said, 'Our passion to compete is still very much present, we have just had to be more patient than expected this past year.', and set their sights on returning to compete at the national championships in January with the best physical and mental health possible.