Paul Oberjuerge: Emily Hughes Speaks

A little background. Hughes just turned 17. She hadn't done much until the past year, when she got a bronze at the 2005 world juniors. She then got a fifth at Skate America and the Cup of Russia, and was third at the U.S. Championships last month, where she had a great short program and had a very rough free program.

This is her responding to various questions:

"Now I find out I actually get to go to torino and represent the u.s. on the olympics team, and it’s a great experience so far. ...

(On having meningities last summer) "I did start my season a little slow, with the meningitis, but I feel like I stepped up my training before the nationals. Now I’m looking forward to the whole Olympic experience. ...

(About learning she was on the team) "We found out late last night (about 8:45 p.m. EST). We were in a restaurant. Half of my family was there. We were told we couldn’t tell anyone. We actually had to leave the restaurant because it was so exciting. To just find out I’m going to Turin. ... Mr. Raith was on the phone with Mr. Hershberger (U.S. Skating officials). ... They asked me if I’d be happy to represent the United States, and of course I couldn’t be happier. ..."

(On how hard she trained when she was bumped from the Olympics) "All I could focus on was my skating and that’s what I was focusing on. I was training for worlds (next month). After nationals, I was focusing on school more, getting ready for SATs, and now I’m going to be on a flight to Torino."

(Asked by an NYC reporter where she was having dinner) "In Great Neck. At a Japanese restaurant. We were pretty much finished. We were told we weren’t allowed to tell anyone for the next 12 hours."

(When will she travel?) "The competition is more than a week away, so I have a little more time at home. There’s a blizzard outside right now, so I couldn’t leave now, anyway.... I will be going to school, actually."

(On Kwan) "It’s unfortunate she was injured. Michelle is very gracious. I have a lot of respect for her on and off the ice. She’s accomplished so much in her career."

(Will her family be able to come over?) "My family is definitely coming. Sarah was with us. She’s really supportive of me and told me to enjoy everything and have fun."

Sarah Hughes is Emily's older sister and the gold-medalist at Salt Lake City in 2002. Sarah no longer skates competitively. The family has some money, and certainly the USOC will help them find places to stay, etc.