Sarah Hughes Is Not Skating In The 9/11 Show [Archive]

Debbie S

09-11-2002, 02:13 PM

First of all, palmer0431, do you know for a fact that Sarah is not skating next week? Now obviously, if she had confirmed, there would be an announcement, but it's possile that she may decide to do it after all - I remember last year at the Skating Tribute, there were skaters who were added in the week before - such as Boitano and Lipinski. I do remember hearing that Sarah had some kind of an abdominal injury over the summer, it's possible that she and Robin are waiting to see if she's OK physicially - I'm sure they don't want to cause another injury right before Skate America.

That being said, I do agree that, without a legitimate reason for not being there, Sarah should take part. I've already posted on this in the event discussion folder, so I won't rehash all that here, but seeing as how Sarah has benefited from the love and admiration from the people of NY, and has referred to her ties w/ 9-11 victims - parade speech - she should be giving something back. Yes, it does sound a little demanding, but Sarah is a famous athlete that people, especially children, look up to, and like all other athletes/role models, she does have an obligation to give back to others. I realize she's doing that through her endorsement and speaking activities, but an event like this that is occurring in her backyard should have her involvement. It's on a weekend, does not conflict w/ a skating comp, and barring injury or other unavoidable circumstances, I don't see why she can't be there.

If there is an injury, or family conflict, or something else, Sarah would do well to explain it, and I'm sure people would understand - as they did when she missed Worlds this year. But if she stays silent about it - people are going to be disappointed with her. If there's some sort of personal squabble with the organizers, I would think that the cause behind the show would convince everyone to put squabbles aside. I suspect that at some point, some reporter is going to ask her about it anyway.

Badams

09-11-2002, 02:16 PM

i agree with blueridge. sarah is not a super hero and simply cannot do everything that *WE* think she should. she's only human. not skating in the trubute doesn't make her a bad person. i hope she continues to do what she thinks is best for her.

adrianchew

09-11-2002, 02:32 PM

Link - Sarah Hughes Ezboard (http://pub1.ezboard.com/fsarahhughesonlinefancentersarahfandiscussions.sho wMessageRange?topicID=1289.topic&start=41&stop=47)

As of 9/6 there was no confirmation yet from either Michelle or Sarah, from one of the event organizers. :(

I did notice the event website got updated to include Sasha's involvement...

http://www.starsstripesandskates.org/

So unless we see any updates, I would assume neither Michelle nor Sarah will be present at the benefit show.

adrianchew

09-11-2002, 02:35 PM

Originally posted by palmer0431

Can you guys believe that Sarah Hughes is not skating in the 9/11 commemorative show at Madison Square Garden in NYC? I mean, she did dedicate her medal to the people of NY and all. I just don't think it is a wise move for her. I am really disapointed to hear that and I find it a bit strange that Sasha is in it and Sarah is not.

Oh well, I look forward to seeing Sasha in any case--she is so amazing!!

Please avoid using ALL CAPS in titles in the futures. Title has been edited.

Topic moved over to Event Discussions. Do not double post topics in the future. Thanks.

~adrianchew~

Lark

09-11-2002, 03:52 PM

I am an avid fan of Sarah, among many other skaters. But, considering that New York is her home, I would personally not be able to excuse Sarah from this event for any reason, unless she is in the hospital. Even if you are recovering from injury, at least show up and sit in the stands. Or make a hoopla about her injury prior, so people will understand why she is not able to perform, and let her make a speech or something.
She is not an unknown from Kansas. She is the newly crowned Ladies Olympic Gold Medalist FROM New York. Her not being there would be saying a lot even if she doesn't mean it to, considering what the show is for.
And before someone jumps on me for not "owning Sarah", I personally would understand if she could not skate. I do not believe she would be forgiven, by a lot of people, for being a no show.

Blue Ridge

09-11-2002, 04:06 PM

My goodness New York is a tough place.

palmer0431

09-11-2002, 04:20 PM

It just seems like it is a shame that NY's golden girl would miss such an important event.

But, in a way I am at least happy to see that I am not the only one disapointed!!

palmer0431

09-11-2002, 04:23 PM

PS-I think last year's show was amazing. I was very moved by the whole production. As a former skater and fan of the sport for many years, it brought together all of my American favorites!!!

I only hope that this years show is half as good.

But don't you think that the lack of sell-out last year might of had something to do with the timing??

adrianchew

09-11-2002, 06:03 PM

Last year's show was pretty amazing. I think the ticket sales is timing related, but in a different way - they need to have started ticket sales earlier, with more active promotion. I don't get any of the local papers, but I haven't heard anything yet todate except via the Net.

Getting the news out either via something like the morning show on NBC (which seems skating friendly overall) or local radio stations could help quite a bit. Given all the coverage the media seems to want to put into 9/11, its probably pretty open to having something like this show mentioned.

Still - there's a week or so left - and people do buy tickets at the counter sometimes too, so maybe there's hope yet.

Dragonlady

09-11-2002, 06:36 PM

IIRC, Sarah is currently preparing for the taping of her first television special. This would involve a huge commitment of time and resources from NBC, all of which are tightly scheduled to meet production deadlines, after which she has to prepare for Skate Canada, since it's been announced that she hadn't started work on her new programs.

OTOH, Sasha (for example) had completed choreography of her new programs in the spring and has had quite a bit of time to prepare for the new season.

My understanding is that the New York show was not planned that far in advance and for skaters like Sarah, who has a lot more commitments this season than last, and Michelle, who has yet to announce a decision about the upcoming season, or her choice of a new coach, there may not be enough time to do everything.

For those who have expressed disappointment that their favourite skater might not (and at this point it's a "might not" and not a definitive "won't") be able to make this event, try to remember that not everyone was able to skate at the tribute last year either.

Marney

09-11-2002, 09:43 PM

It seems that this show was put together at the last minute. They didn't have skaters confirmed before beginning the advertisement... Announcing which skaters are invited. That was probably a smart business decision because it probably got some more people to buy tickets. There would also be less controversy now if it wasn't initially announced that Sarah and Michelle were invited.

nits

09-11-2002, 10:15 PM

I admit I am shocked Sarah isn't confirmed. Didn't she write an article/journal stating she'd like to go to Afghanistan to show support, or something along those lines?
I don't think it's a horrible thing if Sarah isn't at this show. Things happen. I am sure she's a busy girl. She is probably training hard for the current season. Does anyone know what her SP and LP will be?

AxelAnnie22

09-11-2002, 11:46 PM

Originally posted by Lark
I am an avid fan of Sarah, among many other skaters. But, considering that New York is her home, I would personally not be able to excuse Sarah from this event for any reason, unless she is in the hospital. Even if you are recovering from injury, at least show up and sit in the stands. Or make a hoopla about her injury prior, so people will understand why she is not able to perform, and let her make a speech or something.
She is not an unknown from Kansas. She is the newly crowned Ladies Olympic Gold Medalist FROM New York. Her not being there would be saying a lot even if she doesn't mean it to, considering what the show is for.
And before someone jumps on me for not "owning Sarah", I personally would understand if she could not skate. I do not believe she would be forgiven, by a lot of people, for being a no show. I must say I am way surprised. This is a NO BRAINER for Sarah. I wonder what she is thinking? It is such a good public relations thing for her to do. It is not something you would "pass" on just because you have something else to do. I hope it is not injury related. Hopefully she will reconsider. Oh well, time will tell.

cienicsk8

09-12-2002, 12:01 AM

I totally agree with Dragonlady......Sarah has been involved with many different off-ice projects, COI, her upcoming special etc... She needs to get ready for the GP and she doesn't have much time. I think we can cut her a little slack here.
Sasha has been involved with a lot more than just COI, and preparing her programs as well. I'm glad to see her participating in another charity related event.
My question is where's Michelle? Retired or not, she is America's sweetheart, the crowds at COI can attest to that.
Surely she knows her participation would boost ticket sales and help a worthy cause. She isn't (I assume) doing the GP, COI is done for now, I wonder why she hasn't confirmed.(yet?)

adrianchew

09-12-2002, 12:23 AM

I know emotions around here are probably running high since we just went through the rememberance of 9/11, so I totally understand both sides of the coin, and if I were to put them on a scale, here's how it would look.

Sarah's commitments, filming a show with NBC profiling herself, and having now to quickly prepare for a new competitive season, just isn't reason enough for me to believe she couldn't spare a single evening of her time. I guess what the show and benefit stands for, is far too important to me - when we remember that more than 3,000 innocent people lost their lives in a flash, I don't believe the expectations are unreasonable.

Consider that every politician in the country, all the media agencies, and many companies, have felt the need to be a part of this rememberance. Its about social responsibility, and an Olympic champion fits this bill. Even Tara chose to issue a short statement (http://pub12.ezboard.com/ftarafanworldtaratory.showMessage?topicID=3875.top ic) today. This is just too close at heart, too important, symbolically, to just excuse easily.

I'm not sure what Michelle is up to, but her presence could have helped boost the ticket sales. Luckily it seems enough people bought into the initial "possibility" at least to help sales some.

As for the organizers - I recognized their initial seeming lack of organization, but given they're not professionals who do this sort of thing on a daily basis (organizing huge shows), perhaps those mistakes can be forgiven. In retrospect, perhaps the organizers were so certain that skaters like Sasha, Sarah and Michelle would have very likely said yes to this event (but somehow they figured wrong, which is unfortunate).

After all, when Sarah has actively engaged into the process of saying she wants to do something for the country (as nits said about the bit of visiting Afghanistan), this is a lot less dangerous, and a lot less to ask of her. And Michelle has been showcased many times over for countless contributions, but this is a special time where her presence would really be appreciated too.

I initially expected Sasha to decline and Sarah and Michelle to be there for sure, actually. Guess I was just as bad as the organizers in my prediction of who would show up, amongst those invited.

Sasha - bless her heart, for adding this show to her schedule.

AxelAnnie22

09-12-2002, 04:52 AM

Beautifully and articularly said Adrian. Thanks.

And thanks for the link to Tara. She has certainly (at least in my book) turned into a lovely young woman.

Along with fame comes responsibility. Skaters of the calibre of Michelle and Sarah have a bigger obligation to give back to the public.....especially as it relates to the MOST important event to hit our land in 60 years.

JDC1

09-12-2002, 08:10 AM

Okay, Sarah and Michelle have a responsibility to give back, when and where does this responsibility end? I think Sarah and Michelle should be cut a little slack, people have contracts they sign and they cannot get out of engagements and maybe just for personal reasons Michelle wants to rest and be with her family. She doesn't owe anybody anything neither does Sarah, they've both worked hard for what they've gotten and they are both classy young women. I commend Sasha for going and think it's wonderful that she is doing the show but she doesn't have the committments of Sarah nor has she had the schedule of Michelle. I think it would be great if either of them could make but if they cannot I have enough regard for both of them to assume it's for very good reasons.

kar5162

09-12-2002, 08:37 AM

I think it's ridiculous that Sarah isn't skating in the show. Yes, she is working on the programs for her Disney competition and needs to prepare for the GP, but surely she could reuse Fosse or that sappy thing she used at COI last year without too much effort. Remember - she did not do that much of COI last year. She has had quite a bit of time this summer that she could be working on this stuff, even if she wanted to take a break. It's 9-11, which she's said means a lot to her and it wouldn't involve any travel, so it isn't as though it would actually disrupt her training or anything.

Blue Ridge

09-12-2002, 08:47 AM

Maybe it is because I don't live in the NY area that I don't understand this, but I am at a complete loss to understand why this one show is so important. To me, Sarah, by dedicating her gold medal to the people of NY and skating her tribute to the September 11 victims for the whole world at the Olympics, has already given more than anyone could ask for.

Honestly, I think these complaints are mean-spirited and dishonor the memory of the September 11 victims that this show is supposed to be about.

somechick

09-12-2002, 09:19 AM

Wow....some of these comments just amaze me. First of all, this wouldn't just be "two hours out Sarah's day". She has to have a program, and even if she rehashes an old one, there is the time to rehearse and practice this program. This is more than just a few hour commitment. Secondly, from what I understand, this hasn't been planned for an extremely long period of time. I have got to believe that Sarah has had her schedule planned out for this summer well in advance so as to be able to fit in all of her other commitments as well as prepare for next season. It just may not be possible for her to perform however much she may want to. And seeing as how as of recently, Sarah hasn't had programs for this season yet, that would be her #1 priority. I know some people are just dying to see Sarah crash and burn this season but I don't think Sarah is one of those people.
Third, no one even know for certain that she is not doing the show. The only thing for certain is that she hasn't confirmed, not that she has declined. She may still do this show. And if Sarah is able to do this show on top of preparing and practicing new programs, filming her special, doing her work with GE and Campbell's, as well as school and, God forbid, taking time to "just be 17" (should anyone happen to forget that), well then, Bless her.

I hope everyone remembers this when the season starts and the barage of "why didn't Sarah fix that flutz?" etc. etc. start up again.

Debbie S

09-12-2002, 10:52 AM

First of all, if Sarah hasn't fixed her flutz, it wouldn't be b/c she skated in a 9/11 benefit show - it would b/c she either can't fix it or didn't have time b/c of her TV show and other commercial commitments, or b/c she and Robin figure that the judges won't care about her flutz b/c she's the Oly champ.

Second, skaters practice their exhibition programs often (as we've heard from practice reports from people who go to various skaters' rinks), and no one's asking Sarah to create some new masterpiece just for this show. Even if she didn't have time to prepare or practice a number or couldn't skate b/c of injury, she could still take part in the event in some way - speaking, introducing, etc.

As a former high school teacher, I can tell you that the lives of high school seniors are just as busy as Sarah's - they may not be preparing for TV specials or competing on national TV, but they still have plenty of academic, athletic, arts-related, and family commitments - yet I've seen plenty become involved in service activities or special events on short notice, and not b/c they expect recognition - b/c they feel passionately about something or feel it's the "right" thing to do - and I'm talking about activities beyond community service requirements.

You're right Blue Ridge, Sarah has done a lot publicly for the people of NY, but this is another opportunity for her to participate in a cause (helping the people of NY) she has said she cares about that is organized by people (the firefighter's mother and sister) she has a connection to. If she didn't participate, it would be a missed opportunity for her to do what she has previously said she wants to do - use her status as Oly champ to help others.

Badams

09-12-2002, 11:32 AM

well...i think it all boils down to the fact that some of sara's fans have all these expectations for sarah. maybe sarah simply can't fulfill all of these expectations. it doesn't make her a bad person...just a busy one. nobody but sarah and her people know her actual schedule or what she's filling her time doing. the decision to go or not to go is sarah's. i say good for her for taking advantage of her celebrity in all the ways she sees fit.

proam

09-12-2002, 11:43 AM

A better question is why some care so much (almost an obsessive need to know) how Sarah spends her time. This applies not only Sarah, but also any skater.
I can see being disappointed that a skater not being at an event, but that should be as far as it goes.

I don’t think she is obligated to explain why she is not appearing either, this again applies to any skater as well.

Badams

09-12-2002, 12:06 PM

Originally posted by proam
A better question is why some care so much (almost an obsessive need to know) how Sarah spends her time. This applies not only Sarah, but also any skater.
I can see being disappointed that a skater not being at an event, but that should be as far as it goes.

I don’t think she is obligated to explain why she is not appearing either, this again applies to any skater as well.

I totally agree with you proam.

nits

09-12-2002, 05:28 PM

In response to those who question where Michelle will be. Michelle hasn't announced what she is doing in her future, and hasn't announced an official hiring of a coach. She just completed a long COI tour where she performed in every show, and I doubt has had time to even think about new programs.
I could just imagine if Michelle skated to "Fields of Gold" at the tribute and just how many threads would be started on this board about "boring" Michelle..etc. I, for one, would LOVE to see Michelle perform this at the tribute because this is one of the best exhibitions I have ever seen by any skater, and because it is a very appropriate song for the tribute, however I can just see all the anti-Kwanies going nuts if she skates to this.
As for Sarah, isn't she busy training her SP and LP??
I am not surprised that Sasha will be at the tribute. All the media has been on Sarah and I'm sure Sasha could benefit from some press.

Mayra

09-12-2002, 09:30 PM

Originally posted by nits
In
I am not surprised that Sasha will be at the tribute. All the media has been on Sarah and I'm sure Sasha could benefit from some press.

Sure and all the media attention has been on Yagudin, which is probably why Abt is skating in this show right. Because he too could benefit from the press.

OR

They know this is a charity event and having been invited by the organizers, thought that lending their time for a an event that will benifit many victims of September 11 might, just *might* be a worthy cause. Just a thought though. :roll:

NorthernLite

09-12-2002, 10:52 PM

Wow, I was certain that some people posting to this thread weren't even fans of Sarahs. Yet they seem to be so concerned, so terribly disappointed that she won't be in this event. I guess they must be *real big fans* after all since they're gonna miss her so much. :roll: :P

(BTW I see the original poster just registered to post this thread. Was that before or after Sharps chose to not allow such trollishness on her board?)

I've worked in PR events. I'm certain the people running this event are 100% sincere -- but perhaps certain aspects could have been handled differently.

We know this wasn't publicized far enough in advance. So perhaps they also failed to ask the guests far enough in advance as would normally be appropriate. (Heck, I've worked with some major non-profits that aren't very well managed so it doesn't surprise me that a new charity might have bugs in the system.)

FYI I know (on about as good an authority as you'll get) that Sarah's TV show *is* still in production.

Rachel

09-14-2002, 05:59 AM

Hmmm, interesting.

I have one thing scheduled to do on September 21. My husband has one thing scheduled to do on September 21. Both things will take several hours; both things can be done only on that day; both things involve other people who are counting on us to be there.

In the last week, three more things have come up, all of them important and all of them having to be done on September 21. All three can only be done on that day and all three will take several hours. All three mean a lot to other people.

Normally, my husband and I would be able to juggle the four of those things between us. But this time we can't, because there are five things and we can't do them all. So something is going to have to give. In our case, we both decided to stick with the first two things because we committed ourselves to them first. Someone is going to be upset with us and hurt no matter what we do and no matter how we explain, but we had to make the choice somehow and that's how we did it.

I guess dilemmas like this never come up for other people. It must be nice.

nymkfan51

09-14-2002, 09:04 AM

I think the biggest problem here is that there is no word from Sarah. If she has some sort of injury ... or ... if she is already committed to be somewhere else, then she or Robin should just let that be known. I think that most people then would understand. Without hearing from her, it looks like she is just choosing not to do this event. The extra problem here is that one of the families involved in this event is one where a fireman from Great Neck was lost. So, it is rather disappointing to many people. I'm going to the show and have no feeling one way or another about whether Sarah is there or not.
I am (obviously) a big Michelle fan, and would say that I wish Michelle would let us know too, if she will be there ... and if no ... why not. A little
communication would go a long way to helping people understand.

karina1974

09-14-2002, 09:07 AM

[QUOTE]Originally posted by nits
I could just imagine if Michelle skated to "Fields of Gold" at the tribute . I, for one, would LOVE to see Michelle perform this at the tribute because this is one of the best exhibitions I have ever seen by any skater, and because it is a very appropriate song for the tribute, however I can just see all the anti-Kwanies going nuts if she skates to this.
.

ITA with that. I think it's a very appropriate song for the tribute. I don't know if you were watching ABC's primetime coverage on 9/11, but Barabara Walters did a segment on mothers with children whose husbands had been killed in the WTC collapse. At the end of the segment, they showed a montage of these men with their families. The music they used was "Fields of Gold". THAT is what that song is about- rememberance, memoriesof time past, not going for some gold medal. I believe Michelle chose this music AFTER 9/11, not before, and any anti-Kwanie that doesn't see the true significance of this program needs a good dose of reality.

HSF

09-14-2002, 09:47 AM

Michelle selected the music FOG before 9/11. She skated to it at the tribute last year--a tribute originally meant to honor the skaters lost in the '63 plane crash and expanded by the USFSA to include the 9/11 tragedy.

I think the promoters should be the ones blamed here, not the skaters. What they did was post a "wish list" of particiipants. The skaters should not be blamee for not fulfilling that wish. It is a technique used by promoters to increase ticket sales and it is sad that the skaters then get blamed for being "no shows."

I'm sure Sarah and Michelle are on every promoter's "wish list." Some are just more ethical than others and don't publish that list.

HSF

NorthernLite

09-14-2002, 10:19 AM

Why aren't there any threads with screaming headlines condemning all of the above, and many other skaters we could name, for not doing in this show? Yags talks about how much he loves N. America. Todd the fisherman's son and Kristi the dentist's daughter have benefitted so much from living in this country. And on and on and on. Yet not a peep about any of them being AWOL.
(Please note -- for the sarcasm-impaired -- I am not putting these skaters down. Just reinforcing how obvious certain poster's agendas are. Even Michelle, whose name also was [unfortunately] attached to the original news item, is not really being singled out.)

proam

09-14-2002, 11:18 AM

There is really no problem here (Sarah not appearing at this event).

Well, except for those who claim there is a problem/making it into a problem. The Topic is sort of like a Man Made problem. :roll:

Hannahclear

09-14-2002, 11:32 AM

Personally, I dont have a problem with Sarah not being there, and I will wait to hear from her. But I think she should be there, or provide a very good explanation. Yes, many other Americans are not going, but Sarah is from the area, and was very public after winning the gold that this was for the people of NYC. That's why I think she sorta has more of an obligation to be there.

Toeloopy

09-14-2002, 12:14 PM

Originally posted by Hannahclear
Personally, I dont have a problem with Sarah not being there, and I will wait to hear from her. But I think she should be there, or provide a very good explanation.

Sarah has prior personal commitments that do not allow her to participate. She really doesn't owe anyone an explanation. She was invited and declined. Period. Don't you think that she would have participated if she could have?

-Michelle

Hannahclear

09-14-2002, 02:09 PM

Like I said, it doesn't really matter to me, but it's a bad PR move, you have to admit that.

Lark

09-14-2002, 04:48 PM

Hannah, I agree with you 100%.
Some act like all skating fans are reasonable, but most, I feel, WILL see this as a diss, and it will not be understood by a lot of folks.
She is Olympic Champion AND from NYC. The city of New York has really embraced Sarah. I think it brought some light back to the city after the tragedy. I think if Sarah does nothing but show up and sit in the audience, it would be better than not showing at all.

Tessa

09-14-2002, 09:35 PM

There are many New Yorkers, myself included, who have participated in previous remembrance events, who have vounteered, had friends die, etc......and for some reason the anniversary has affected me much more than I thought, and I dropped out of everything that I had a one point been planning on participating in. I just couldn't do it.

Tessa

09-14-2002, 09:35 PM

adrianchew

09-14-2002, 11:14 PM

Originally posted by NorthernLite

Why aren't there any threads with screaming headlines condemning all of the above, and many other skaters we could name, for not doing in this show? Yags talks about how much he loves N. America. Todd the fisherman's son and Kristi the dentist's daughter have benefitted so much from living in this country. And on and on and on. Yet not a peep about any of them being AWOL.

That's likely because they weren't invited... consider that the organizers didn't choose to mention their names amongst the list of invited but unconfirmed skaters. I believe the organizers chose Kwan and Hughes because both ladies are forerunners in the sport, American, and would have helped boost the ticket sales the most.

Actually, Aleksei does even have a benefit/charity show this weekend, that will benefit United Way. SOI has worked quite a bit with Target House in the past, with skaters such as Kristi being actively involved. So it would seem people are stretching the realm of plausibility in finding excuses for certain invited "no show" skaters for this show.

And strangely enough, we've got Russian and French skaters in the show even already, while America's foremost "darlings" are missing. There's just something wrong with this picture.

As for the organizers - I've realized they've done quite a bit of targetted marketing - the efforts seem to have been focuses on getting the word out through local area rinks (there was flyers, and an ad in the program, at the Middle Atlantic competition hosted by the Skating Club of New York). There was another note I read on 30 rinks being part of the advertised target.

HSF

09-14-2002, 11:44 PM

Adian, there is nothing "wrong with the picture," there is something wrong with the promoters.

Please understand, I am not saying there is something wrong with the organizers, I am saying there is something wrong with the promoters. Who are the promoters for this "tribute?"

You don't just "throw together" a tribute a month or so before it is to take place and expect to get the foremost "darlings" to participate. More is expected of them than the Russian and French skaters that have signed on. Both skated in the tribute last year and neither one would feel comfortable skating to the same programs they skated last year. What do you want to bet that the Russian and French skaters use old programs? . . . Well, with Surya, you never know . . .

I assume Sasha Cohen has signed on for this tribute?

HSF

NorthernLite

09-15-2002, 12:23 PM

Originally posted by adrianchew
That's likely because they weren't invited... consider that the organizers didn't choose to mention their names amongst the list of invited but unconfirmed skaters. I believe the organizers chose Kwan and Hughes because both ladies are forerunners in the sport, American, and would have helped boost the ticket sales the most.

Surya and the Russian acrobats were asked to participate but not big-name American skaters like Todd, Kristi and I & Z. Right.

However, I am glad to see Adrian Chew refer to Michelle and Sarah as being the two biggest names in American FS. You and I agree on that. :D The two biggest names in American FS are on everyone's wish list and that is why their names happened to surface. Those names probably did help to sell tickets. But that's not their fault. (BTW one of the organizers later apologized for the mixup.)

And if you're disturbed that this benefit is going on without even more big names, then again, other questions might be asked: Was it planned far enough in advance? Was it overly ambitious to rent MSG? Even COI -- which *does* have MK and SH as headliners -- doesn't rent the Garden because of the expense.

I'm concerned for the organizers that their initial vision might have been a bit too grand. A new charity perhaps might better begin with a smaller event and work up to a biggie. But I wish them the best.

kara

09-15-2002, 02:31 PM

It would be preferable if Sarah could be there, but I guess she can't be.

The problem of the event is lack of publicity, so few people are going to offended by her absence...they don't even know it's going on, so I doubt her missing it will cause a stir. Sure, some people here may be upset, but that won't affect her larger image, and some people here just don't like her and look for reasons to criticize her...and then some here are probably honestly upset and I can understand their disappiontment, but I think they just may be taking it in a way that wasn't intended by Sarah.

And I'm sure the organizers are disappionted, but I can't imagine that they'd make judgements about her character based on this...esp. b/c most other US skaters aren't going to be there, either. It's not as if she's missing last year's tribute. This isn't a huge event planned any length of time ago, she never committed to it, etc.

Actually, I don't think it says much about anyone who chose to participate or didn't: some were busy, some weren't...some live closer, some don't...some are preparing programs, some have already had time to complete theirs...some are looking for publicity, some have enough already...some want to get out there early and practice in front of a crowd, some still want to practice privately, some may still want to "give" to 9/11, some may feel like it's too much for them and may be ready to move on, etc., etc., etc.

Sarah has never given us any other reason to doubt her integrity or "niceness" or respect for the people of NYC or whatever. I think it would be best to not worry about this and not go out of our way to be disappionted in her. I hope she has a great season this year.

palmer0431

09-15-2002, 03:17 PM

I actually had heard that Sarah had been asked right after September 11 by the girl who lost her brother to participate in this show. Therefore, it would have been something she knew about for a very long time.

When she drives home from practice that night (from Hackensack to Great Neck) all of you NYers know that in order for her to get home she will literally have to drive under the Garden. Kinda crazy, huh? Even if she did not want to skate-she could have shown up and handed out an award or something.

It seems as if her people are just ignoring the entire event exists. Seems very strange!?!?

Jimmy Hoffa

09-15-2002, 08:30 PM

Originally posted by palmer0431
I actually had heard that Sarah had been asked right after September 11 by the girl who lost her brother to participate in this show.
Do you mean September 11 as in four days ago or Septemper 11 as in a year and four days ago? And how do you know this?

I agree that Hughes, and probably Kwan and maybe even other skaters will probably be criticized for not being there. That doesn't make it fair, especially if the critics don't know why they aren't there.

AxelAnnie22

09-15-2002, 09:34 PM

Call me silly, but.......

I would imagine that these skaters are asked (begged) to lend their name/support/presence to hundreds of events, causes, etc. Obviously they cannot do everything they are asked to do, even if they wanted to.

Given that September 11th is the HUGE thing that it is, wouldn't it have been simple for Sarah (especially) and Michelle to have issued a statement of regret that they could not be there? Wouldn't even have to give a reason. Could have even made a donation! :P

Yazmeen

09-16-2002, 09:36 AM

There is a simple fact here that can't be ignored. This skating show was thrown together "at the last minute" with just over a month of apparent planning. While the organizers hearts are obviously in the right place, they didn't give any skater with a busy schedule enough time to prepare for this unless they had a stretch of room (several days) in their schedule surrounding this event. Despite the memorial tribute nature of this show and their honorable intent, the organizer should have thought it through a little better before exploiting the names of Sarah, Sasha and Michelle to boost ticket sales. OK, their statement is true, the skaters were INVITED, but I think they darn well knew that this statement would tweak skating fans into believing that all three would subsequently show up and boost sales, and they were right--look at the feeding frenzy that has now occurred since Sarah has not signed on.

While I realize this is a tribute to September 11th, I refuse to criticize any skater, eligible or pro, for their decision to perform or not perform at this show. I skate, and even prepping for a show at my very, very LOW level takes more than a "couple hours out of a day." Sarah has GP events coming up very soon, and is busy fulfilling a CONTRACTUAL obligation for a television show (not to mention school). It isn't sensible for us to expect her or Michelle or anyone else to just drop everything on short notice and do this exhibition just because it has a charitable/memorial link and there are great emotions attached to it. I think its wonderful that Sasha and Tim are able to schedule this show in. I also don't think its horrid that Sarah, Michelle, Tara, Kristi, Brian B. have not signed on to skate as I'm sure they have perfectly valid reasons for not doing so. I also don't think they need to give explanations for everything they do in their lives. Its one exhibition--and I don't think its even a blip on the radar for anyone except serious skating fans. We have had many heartfelt remembrances, performances and events since September 11th, 2001. I don't expect every human being to participate in every one, just as I don't expect every skater to participate in this one.

palmer0431

09-16-2002, 10:21 AM

I meant September 11 a YEAR ago

LilRedRidingHood

09-17-2002, 12:15 PM

Originally posted by palmer0431
I meant September 11 a YEAR ago

So she may have known about it. Did she know LAST year what the date of the event was going to be THIS year? I prefer to give Sarah the benefit of the doubt. Anything else is pure speculation and projecting our own expectations/morals on others is just not kosher.

Someone mentioned Sarah and Michelle should lend their name or donate money if they aren't able to attend. Do we know that they have not already done so and/or have no intention of doing so?

Just my opinion!

kar5162

09-17-2002, 12:52 PM

More info about the event. Sarah's father could "not be reached for comment".

http://www.newsday.com/mynews/ny-liskat162926386sep16.story

LilRedRidingHood

09-17-2002, 01:13 PM

Considering the author wrote: "For a while last year I didn't know why I was skating," said Naomi Lang, a four-time ice dancing world champion who will perform at the event. "Then I figured out that ... skating is the way I can help."

4 Time ice dancing WORLD Champion? Wonder how many other errors are included?

Emanfan

09-17-2002, 01:18 PM

I'm sure Naomi Lang is only skating this year because it will "help". Please, give me a break.

Will any of the profits here go to victims (children) of terrorism outside the U.S.?

cienicsk8

09-18-2002, 11:40 AM

I just received an email that had a great article about Michelle and what she's been up to.
She's been busy with Disney! Her contract is way more extensive than I think most people originally thought (including me).
She's busy doing voice work on Mulan 2, which will go directly to video.
She will be doing the voice for a shopkeeper named....Michelle.
If I can find the link to this article, I'll post it for everyone.
She really seems to be leaning towards bowing out of this season entirely, and with the details of all she'll be doing with Disney spelled out, I don't know how in the world she could. (but then we are talking about Michelle Kwan..LOL)
Good for her, I say:)

cienicsk8

09-18-2002, 11:50 AM

Ok, here it is....
http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-kwan17sep17.story
Nice pictures, too.

Rachel

09-19-2002, 11:39 PM

Michelle does look busy and I'm sure Sarah is, too. And busy for them nearly always means "contractually obligated," not just having a hot date that night.

Most of us would appreciate having the benefit of the doubt every now and then; is it too much to ask that we extend a little of that, too?

AxelAnnie22

09-20-2002, 07:37 AM

Originally posted by Rachel
Michelle does look busy and I'm sure Sarah is, too. And busy for them nearly always means "contractually obligated," not just having a hot date that night.

Most of us would appreciate having the benefit of the doubt every now and then; is it too much to ask that we extend a little of that, too? I am sure you are right. They ARE busy, we are busy, everybody is busy. (Of course, they are busy doing much more interesting stuff than I am doing) - LOL!

I don't think the fact that they are not going is as much of an issue for me as the fact that Sarah (at least as far as I know) didn't issue a statement of regret. That doesn't take long......goood grief, her Mom could do it! She is a New Yorker, she is a star, and a simple...."I am so sorry that I am unable to skate for this wonderful effort to raise money for the children of the families of 9-11 They have my support and my heart" Boom, done-over.

CMc

09-21-2002, 01:28 AM

Personally, I think this is just sour grapes from people that don't like her.

But THANKS Blue Ridge, Adrian, Dragonlady, and everyone else for saying all the things I would have said if I could have come on here (I couldn't because the site was down--How'd you guys get on??).

Sarah, I'm very sure, WANTED to do this show. Whatever commitments she has, be it school-related (SAT's, etc), family-related, TV special stuff that was in the planning stages months before this tribute show was announced, simply kept her from making any concessions to it, and folks, it was NEVER confirmed one way or the other, and she doesn't have to answer to anybody because of it. I was disappointed too that she couldn't do the show, but I made the best of it anyway.

Now, I'm not going to start belly-aching about why Michelle Kwan wasn't there, but where are the nay-sayers that are ready to tear her down for not doing the show? Why does Sarah have to be singled-out??

Yazmeen

09-21-2002, 09:43 AM

Why is Sarah singled out? Becuase she is from New York where the tragedy occurred, she has skated at this rink and the people know her and mentioned her, and unlike, Michelle, she hasn't been off ice for a month or so, just starting to skate again a week ago.

Is it fair? As I said before, no--I also don't think she owes anyone an explanation; HOWEVER, she is the reigning Olympic Gold Medalist and is from the area, and she's likely being held to a higher standard. Maybe its unfair, but it comes with the crown and the territory.

Anyway, its done now, on to the new season!!!

CMc

09-21-2002, 04:08 PM

Originally posted by AxelAnnie22
I don't think the fact that they are not going is as much of an issue for me as the fact that Sarah (at least as far as I know) didn't issue a statement of regret. That doesn't take long......goood grief, her Mom could do it! She is a New Yorker, she is a star, and a simple...."I am so sorry that I am unable to skate for this wonderful effort to raise money for the children of the families of 9-11 They have my support and my heart" Boom, done-over.

Why should she issue an official statement like that when there never was an official statement from Sarah that she would do the show? And why are you getting her family involved in this?

It is NOT her fault CNN made a mistake in saying Sarah would officially be a part of this show, and there's no reason for her or her family to have to execute damage control on behalf of CNN's screw-up.
Quite frankly, I've never even seen this crawl on CNN that somebody brought up. For all we know it could have been somebody else's mistake and CNN never even reported it.

proam

09-21-2002, 08:49 PM

Originally posted by CMc
Why should she issue an official statement like that when there never was an official statement from Sarah that she would do the show? And why are you getting her family involved in this?

Even if Sarah sent her heartfelt regrets, and that is assuming a big IF she was even given an official invite, it would have made no difference, I sure there would have been a thread about the “regrets”.

It is what you call a no win situation for Sarah because for some no explanation is acceptable.

I curious how many pages it will take to bury this dead horse. :roll: