He knows the road back will not be any easier than it was before. When he makes his season debut at Skate America next week, he will have to contend with Olympic teammate and U.S. silver medalist Jason Brown, who, at just 19, is one of America's most promising talents -- not to mention a native of the Chicago area, where the event is being held.
But Abbott has proven that when he skates well, he can compete with anyone.
"I'm realistic," Abbott said. "I look at the kids around me and know the talent level is ridiculous. More than likely, I won't be a world champion, but I'd like to land on the world podium; that's really the one last piece of the puzzle that is missing for me, and I want to give it my best effort. It's going to take a lot. I'm going to have to be solid and consistent.