Emily Hughes Withdraws

[Mathman]

That age rule is really sucking right now.

The problem is that this years' skaters don't win spots for themselves, they win spots for next years' skaters. This emphasizes the whole structure of the ISU -- it is the National Federation that counts, not the individual athlete.

 

[childfreegirl]

Actually to me, more unpredictable means MORE interesting. I'm not a fan of predictability when it comes to these events. :yes:

Still, my interest in the event did go down a bit. But I still plan on watching.

I completely agree with the first part. I'm more interested now than I was earlier. I hope she recovers completely, but I'm glad this shakes things up a bit.

 

[Pikachuusb]

Emily already has Canadian citizenship. Poppa Hughes, who is Canadian, put in applications for the entire family based on their time spent in Canada over the years (his entire family lives there). The Hughes kids got their Canadian passport several years ago.

So if Emily decides she wants to skate for Canada, there's nothing the USFS can do about it. And if it's a choice of 'image' vs. skating at the Olympics again, I think image bites the dust. I doubt very much if Emily would be able to make the Olympic team in the US in 2010.

Poppa Hughes was very smart for doing that. Especially with the times they way they are now.

I would love for Emily to skate for Canada, but I really dont think she would do it. It would be such a boost for for the ladies for Canada and if she got to go to Worlds in 2009 they could secure 3 spots for 2010 which would be great. I do agree with you that this is probably Emily's only chance to get to go to the Olympics again as I feel Kimmie & Emily would seriously have to battle to get a spot on the Olympic team with Caroline, Mirai, Rachel, & Ashley all being age eligible, and thats not even considering the fact that Sasha is still talking about returning. Nationals will be quite exciting when this all comes to pass.

I dont know about the whole image thing. I personally would have a hard time switching this late in the game just to go back to the Olympics. Plus although Im quite accepting of her making the change. Would she be a welcome addition or would people not look too kindly at her for switching?

 

[Kwanford Wife]

Do we need her to keep the 3 spots??? I thought only the top 2 ladies add points. I think Ashley would do be better than Emily, but yeah... Emily was a good back up. It's bad news anyway... we need a reliable 3th lady!!!

This is really hard to say because we know that Emily can handle the pressure of Nationals.... can the same be said about Ashley? One trueism of this sport is that a skater can have a break out skate in the GP and then just fall apart at Nationals or Worlds.

 

[Tinymavy15]

i am surprised that Emily did not ask for a bye to worlds. maybe she will (or maybe USFSA will offer it to her) if one (or two of the medalists are too young). She is the regining silver medalist and placed in the top ten at worlds last year and the year before.

 

[isk82]

I'm disappointed she won't be there. I really enjoy the power in her skating.

 

[attyfan]

i am surprised that Emily did not ask for a bye to worlds. maybe she will (or maybe USFSA will offer it to her) if one (or two of the medalists are too young). She is the regining silver medalist and placed in the top ten at worlds last year and the year before.

I believe that she has to ask for a bye -- but unless they changed the rules, there is plenty of time for her to do so -- IIRC, Michelle didn't have to file her petition until shortly before the ladies FS. (IMO, if she does so, background music of "Will the Circle be Unbroken" would be appropriate)

 

[kittyjake5]

I guess for Emily to ask for a bye it would depend on the severity of her injury (the article was not very specific) and if she could be in shape in time for Worlds. If her injury is not severe and she starts training in 4-6 weeks it is possible. I guess we will have to wait and see.

 

[R.D.]

I doubt it. That would be in the middle of the spring semester anyway. If she was only taking a couple classes I'd say it would be doable but she's a full-time student. No way would she have the time to get in top shape in just a couple weeks after a month and a half off the ice. I think this is the end of her season (unfortunately).

On the bright side: This will be good for the up-and-comers as the field suddenly gets more competitive. Also, one skater that would have been held to the morning group gets to skate during the evening telecast.

 

[R.D.]

I dunno. I have mixed feelings about her jumping to Canada. I mean, think: she is the sister of an American OGM. But of course, it's her choice and whatever she does, she will reap the benefits and face the consequences.

Then again, the fact that these upcoming Games will be in Canada might be considered as well.

 

[kittyjake5]

You are probably right RD. Emily's season is probably finished.

 

[moojja]

I dunno. I have mixed feelings about her jumping to Canada. I mean, think: she is the sister of an American OGM. But of course, it's her choice and whatever she does, she will reap the benefits and face the consequences.

Then again, the fact that these upcoming Games will be in Canada might be considered as well.

What kind of consequence will she face? US and the US media wont miss her, since by 2010, there will be plenty more glamorous girls fighting for three spots. At most, she'll be an interesting trivial.

The only negative aspect is some Canadians might accuse her of stealing a spot from a hometown girl. But I don't think that's going to be a problem. Mira Leung isn't popular enough, and Emily has some genuine ties to Canada. There is also a chance she might help Canada to gain 3 spots for Olympics in Worlds 2009. In a way, help to earn her own spot.

Unless she gets on the Olympic podium, I don't think there will be any consequences. Non-medalists images tend to fade as soon as the games are over. Even with the games in Canada, I think the spot light will be on Joanie. I really can't think of any negative consequence, and Emily will still get another chance to go to the Olympics.

 

[R.D.]

Seriously, I wonder if the Hughes' have even TALKED about such a thing. It's just us here on a forum speculating as far as I'm concerned. What might be next though is a Phil Hersh article on the same topic

 

[merrybari]

Good old Phil.

 

[Mathman]

(IMO, if she does so, background music of "Will the Circle be Unbroken" would be appropriate)

 

[chuckm]

Emily is the last figure skater in her family (younger sister Taylor does not skate competitively), so what would it matter (to her and her family) if she switched countries for the next Olympics? Her father is Canadian-born and his family all live in Canada. One way of looking at it is that it would be 'closing the circle'.

Sarah won her OGM in the US, and Emily could have her final shot at the OGM at the Olympics in Canada.

 

[flying camel]

Well I look at this as a golden opportunity for someone. This is a chance for someone who may not be the best, but who steps up their game when the opportunity presents itself. Who will walk through the door of opportunity? Bebe, how about Khale? They have been waiting in the wings for a long time. I would really love to see them get a shot if they are up to the challenge.

 

[Tonichelle]

Another one of my favorites... I've a feeling I've jinxed the event

 

[heyang]

Does anyone know if the US have to send 3 ladies this year? Does the USFSA have the option to send only 2 and maintain 3 spots for next year (assuming the 2 sent finish high enough)? I believe there have been other countries who have not assigned all their spots at Worlds.

 

[passion]

Emily already has Canadian citizenship. Poppa Hughes, who is Canadian, put in applications for the entire family based on their time spent in Canada over the years (his entire family lives there). The Hughes kids got their Canadian passport several years ago.

So if Emily decides she wants to skate for Canada, there's nothing the USFS can do about it. And if it's a choice of 'image' vs. skating at the Olympics again, I think image bites the dust. I doubt very much if Emily would be able to make the Olympic team in the US in 2010.

That would be so cool if Emily skated for Canada! It would definitely jazz things up for the senior womens and Joannie Rochette and Mira Leung would be big questions marks. I hope she one day joins Skate Canada, though, that's wishful thinking.