Three-time US men's figure skating champion Johnny Weir, sixth at the Vancouver Olympics, will not compete at the World Championships later this month in Italy, he announced Tuesday.

Two-time world junior champion Adam Rippon will replace Weir at the meet, to be staged March 22-28 at Turin.

"I have decided that it is not advantageous for me to partake in the World Championships," Weir said. "While I understand the importance of competition, I feel that a short break at this time would be personally beneficial to me."

Weir, third at the 2008 worlds and in this year's US championships, said he will spend the next few months training.

"I believe I must take time to reassess my strategies and goals," Weir said. "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 the time to improve. I'll continue to work hard and hope my work for next season will be the most exciting of my career."

Rippon was fifth at the US championships in January and won the Four Continents title in South Korea.

"I'm very excited and grateful for this opportunity," Rippon said. "I have been training well and I will be ready to do my best in Torino."