Hughes withdraws from GPSeries! [Archive]

RoseAugust

10-18-2002, 12:24 PM

Although the injury doesn't sound too serious and (I think) the Skate America women's competition will still be a great event with Jenny and AP, it disturbs me to read of yet ANOTHER skater with an injury.

AxelAnnie22

10-18-2002, 12:59 PM

Another one bites the dust! Has anyone (like a coach or parent) realized yet that these kids can't keep doing all this stuff and stay healthy! Hello out there! Shows, competitions, travel all summer long. These are young, growing bodies. They need rest. I would imagine that Sarah was pushing it to get ready for SA. It doesn't sound horribly serious, though....but a tear is never good. Although, it is my understanding that a tear requires surgery.
If she can continue to practice, it must be the tiniest of tears.

Why wouldn't she be doing later events like Timmy is planning to do?

Will someone go in her place?

Well, speedy recovery to her! And what an opportunity for AP and Jenny!! Might just see one of them at the GPF :)

duane

10-18-2002, 02:10 PM

WOW! GP with no sarah or michelle. Nationals will be very interesting this season.

this probably has been answered before, but is irina competing in the GPSeries?

Maximillian

10-18-2002, 02:15 PM

Irina is scheduled to compete on the GP, but I think is only doing two events, CoR and one other I think Germany, but I can't remember off hand.

Blue Ridge

10-18-2002, 02:34 PM

Irina is doing Cup of Russia and NHK. She skated last week in a gala in Italy and skated her new short program.

donnamarie

10-18-2002, 04:18 PM

How disappointing :(

I agree that they all push themselves too hard these days - don't know what the answer is though. Pretty hard to turn anything down. It sure is a tough sport.

The Grand Prix won't be the same without Sarah, but at least she'll get a chance to rest, and concentrate on school work too. Hope she heals soon and isn't too disappointed.

Mayra

10-18-2002, 04:25 PM

Some more info..

http://chicagosports.chicagotribune.com/sports/nationworld/wire/sns-ap-fig-hughes-out1018oct18,0,3550605.story?coll=sns-ap-sports-headlines

Hughes strained her right hamstring and a tendon in her right calf, U.S. Figure Skating Association spokesman Bob Dunlop said Friday

nits

10-18-2002, 04:25 PM

I was really looking forward to the Skate Canada match-up. :(
I'm sure Sarah will be ready when Nationals and Worlds come around.

gandalf

10-18-2002, 04:26 PM

*gandalf steps into flame-retardant suit*

Is anyone else even remotely suspicious about this? She has a less-than stellar performance at Campbell's, is admittedly months behind in preparation, is "cleared to practice" despite a reported muscle tear...

Methinks that at least part (a substantial part) of this withdrawl is because the reigning Olympic Champion does not want a splat-fest at her first eligible competition since winning the big prize.

Maximillian

10-18-2002, 04:30 PM

No worries Gandalf, I don't know if there is an injury or not, nor do I really care. I think that lack of preparation is the bottom line be it from injury or scheduling. Unfortunately, I think it is a lot easier to withdraw citing injury than citing lack of preparation. I could be wrong though.

donnamarie

10-18-2002, 04:42 PM

"Hughes strained her right hamstring and a tendon in her right calf, U.S. Figure Skating Association spokesman Bob Dunlop said Friday ... "The doctor advised that further aggravation would result in further damage," Dunlop said. "

Even though the timing seems a bit convenient, I can't imagine Sarah and Robin - or Bob Dunlop - just manufacturing this doctor story. Sorry but I just can't see it ... I also don't think Sarah's parents would allow her, or Robin, to blatantly lie to the USFSA. They don't seem like dishonest people, to me.

With the lack of preparation, this might work out for the best for Sarah anyway. Maybe it's a stroke of luck.

msz

10-18-2002, 04:48 PM

Hasn't Sarah already had an injury announced at waht seemed like the last minute taking her off of the COI this summer? And then within days she was doing something else the injury wouldn't have allowed? An abdominal muscle tear or something?

I can understand why people are suspicious.

donnamarie

10-18-2002, 04:48 PM

P.S. I also don't think that if Robin was going to make up a doctor story in order to excuse Sarah from the Grand Prix, that she would freely tell the press how unprepared they are. Surely she would want to downplay that, if that were the case.

I can see why people might be suspicious. I am sometimes suspicious when people withdraw because of injury, especially when it looks like it would be in their favor. I really don't care about it though ... when a skater needs a rest, or needs more time to prepare, or whatever, I don't care if they take it, or what they say. Somehow I don't see this happening with Sarah though. Could be wrong of course. Oh well, I only know that Skate America sounds awful boring now.

Mayra

10-18-2002, 04:58 PM

Originally posted by donnamarie
P.S. I also don't think that if Robin was going to make up a doctor story in order to excuse Sarah from the Grand Prix, that she would freely tell the press how unprepared they are. Surely she would want to downplay that, if that were the case.

Just my thoughts.

At this point, it would be to late to downplay anything. You only had to tune into the Cambell's event to see she wasn't ready and probably wouldn't be ready for Skate America. After Cambell's, they made no secret of the fact that she only had two weeks to prepare her lp and that she hadn't much time to train.

I don't think they are lying about the injury, but I can understand the cynicism over it. Simply because the first thing that popped into my head was...she isn't ready for the gp. :oops:

Hannahclear

10-18-2002, 05:17 PM

It's not really suspicious by itself, but look at it this way:

1) Too busy to do Worlds
2) Misses Olympic Closing Ceremony due to a cold
3) Misses some COI shows due to a strain
4) Now this.....

It's interesting

rack

10-18-2002, 05:39 PM

I don't mind a little cynicism, but it's not just Sarah.

Angela Nikodinov pulled out of a benefit show with either a shoulder problem, a leg problem or a flu problem.

Alexei Yagudin left the COI tour early, I think with a hip injury.

Irina Slutskaya pulled out of the Campbells event with either an illness or an injury.

Fumie Suguri pulled out of Campbells- I don't remember reading a reason.

Tim Goebel has pulled out of two GP events because of injury.

Bourne and Kraatz have pulled out of SA because she has tendenitis.

Wirtz and Wirtz have pulled out of SA also (I forget which one is injured because they have the same first name as well as last).

Kyoko Ina is also injured- she isn't competing this year, but it's affected rehearsals for SOI.

And that's just off the top of my head.

Spider68

10-18-2002, 05:54 PM

:twisted:

Can't get a new costume in time...JK...But, when she came on to skate Campbells, my first though was: Sheesh, with all the money she's made, couldn't she have at least gotten something new to wear?

Best wishes on a speedy recovery in time for Nationals.

AxelAnnie22

10-18-2002, 05:58 PM

duane

10-18-2002, 06:03 PM

other than AP, i personally think everyone had a "less-than-stellar" performance at Campbells.

i have nothing against cynicism (heck, i've voiced enough of it over the years! :) ), but as Rack stated, whether due to actual injury or perhaps due to "other" reasons, many skaters other than Sarah have withdrawn from various competitions. this definitely is nothing new.

IgglesII

10-18-2002, 06:23 PM

Originally posted by gandalf
*gandalf steps into flame-retardant suit*

Is anyone else even remotely suspicious about this? She has a less-than stellar performance at Campbell's, is admittedly months behind in preparation, is "cleared to practice" despite a reported muscle tear...

Methinks that at least part (a substantial part) of this withdrawl is because the reigning Olympic Champion does not want a splat-fest at her first eligible competition since winning the big prize.

Actually I think your first paragraph probably led to the second.

If one is not in condition to train - which I'd imagine she was not, having spent all of that time on tour and making public appearances - she was asking for injury by jumping right into training for the Grand Prix.

I'd be interested to know exactly what, if any, conditioning she was doing while out doing everything but practicing for the upcoming season.

Halo girl

10-18-2002, 06:57 PM

Someone please tell me the difference in practing every day and competing for a few days? Considering her doctor is clearing her for practice, to really practice she's got to move her legs. Same thing she's going to be doing in competition. Maybe I'm really missing something, but it just doesn't sound right that she can do her work at home, but can't do it when it really counts. I think she just doesn't want to tarnish the Olympic medal by not doing well this season.

haribobo

10-18-2002, 07:08 PM

There's a big difference between practice and competition: JUMPING! How are you supposed to do triple jumps with torn muscles. Light practice does not require any triple jumps.

Spinning, footwork, and other stuff too could be harmful. It might be possible for Sarah to be practicing her choreography/arm movements without doing any jumps which might further injure her. When you compete, you go all out and pretty much do everything you can. Perhaps with the injury, Sarah is not ready to go all out.

duane

10-18-2002, 07:14 PM

lBrokenAnkle

10-18-2002, 08:54 PM

I am so sorry Sarah is injured, I thought the sentence in the article about how learning a new SP would cheer her up indicates she is upset, rather than happy at withdrawing. Hope she gets well soon.

Interesting that some feel the injury is at a convenient time. Based on Sarah's pattern of developing and improving steadily throughout the season, it seems to me that having to miss the SP is a serious drawback to Sarah and Robins winning training procedures. Hope they can adjust.

The way the skating season is set up these days, it seems the only time a skater can withdraw from an event due to injury without suspicion is the day after winning worlds. You can't even miss a show or two without being criticized. I get so scared for these skaters pushing injuries to the limit, it scared the daylights out of me the year Sasha was going to try to compete with a back injury. So while I am sorry Sarah had to pull out, I am relieved she is taking care of herself.

Laura

dbell

10-18-2002, 09:14 PM

Now I know why skaters turn pro right after winning gold! It's to avoid being picked apart the next eligible season.

Hope Sarah gets better soon.

adrianchew

10-18-2002, 09:17 PM

Originally posted by dbell

Now I know why skaters turn pro right after winning gold! It's to avoid being picked apart the next eligible season.

Hope Sarah gets better soon.

Its a "no win" unfortunately. Tara was picked apart for turning pro right away. Sarah is now being picked apart after choosing to remain eligible.

Glad she's at least getting a break now... and luckily she didn't even do all of the COI stops, just a portion. I'm beginning to wonder if COI for eligible competitive skaters is a good idea at all... perhaps a major cities tour is more in order with far fewer stops.

icesk8er31

10-18-2002, 10:10 PM

Am I the only one that noticed in the article that Michelle will be joining the field of Skate America competitors. Did I misread? I think that's pretty interesting, too!

bunghodog

10-18-2002, 10:12 PM

there not deceiving you its true

Mayra

10-18-2002, 10:23 PM

Originally posted by adrianchew
Its a "no win" unfortunately. Tara was picked apart for turning pro right away. Sarah is now being picked apart after choosing to remain eligible.

This second guessing happened a lot last season. Jenny Kirk was picked apart much in the same way after she pulled out of her second gp. Most speculated it had nothing to do with injury and more to do with getting herself a new program because her original lp hadn't gone over to well. Come Nationals she had a brand new program.

And we can't forget the hoopla last season when Slutskaya, Butyrskaya and Yagudin all withdrew from NHK. Most speculated it had nothing to do with injury/illness.

I really do think Sarah is injured. I think Iggles probably hit the nail on the head. She was probably behind in her training and in an effort to catch up, she might have just jumped into it and overdone it. I hope she gets well soon. She has a good program, and I can't wait to see it when she is at 100%.

Spinner

10-18-2002, 10:27 PM

Originally posted by duane
this probably has been answered before, but is irina competing in the GPSeries?

Snippet from the Newsday.com article....

"Her withdrawal from Skate America left the season's first Grand Prix event with only one women's 2002 Olympic medal winner. Silver medalist Irina Slutskaya, said to be interested in starting a family, has not signed up for the competitive tour, nor had bronze medalist Michelle Kwan. Last night, however, Kwan -- with new coach Scott Williams -- agreed to join the field in Hughes' place."

So yes, MK is finally doing a GP event :mrgreen: and no, Irina apparently isn't doing any...yet. ;)

CMc

10-18-2002, 10:45 PM

Do people seem to think when Sarah makes a decision not to do something she looks both ways in case she's being watched??:roll:

For Christ's sakes, they just discovered this injury. If doctor's are telling her taking a break for a few weeks from competition would be advisable, should she poo-poo that advice and risk getting a more serious injury? I believe it's real. I don't think she's afraid of a "splat-fest"--If anything she was looking forward to some serious competition at these events. And about the dress--She's only worn the black Tania Bass dress once before at Nats this past season (and in practice in SLC).

Sarah's doing the right thing by missing the Grand Prix events. I'd rather she miss stuff and come back healed and injury-free than to see her at every competition in agony and possibly risking irreprable damage.

haribobo

10-18-2002, 11:08 PM

Originally posted by Spinner
and no, Irina apparently isn't doing any...yet. ;)

Hmm...better tell that to the ISU, who still has her listed for Cup of Russia and NHK. ;)

Spinner

10-18-2002, 11:28 PM

Originally posted by haribobo
Hmm...better tell that to the ISU, who still has her listed for Cup of Russia and NHK. ;)

Interesting...sigh...guess we can chalk that up to another reporter who didn't check all his facts for a skating article. :roll: ;)

Louis

10-18-2002, 11:37 PM

Originally posted by adrianchew
Sarah is now being picked apart after choosing to remain eligible.

I think Sarah is being picked apart for SAYING that she is committed to remaining eligible but DOING things that are very inconsistent with that stated goal.

So far, the situations with Tara and Sarah are very similar. The main difference is how they've handled the PR. Tara pulled out right away. Sarah is pulling out at the last minute after "trying her hardest" while off doing other things.

I, for one, won't be surprised if Sarah Hughes never skates in a real eligible competition again. And I won't fault her for it. She achieved the pinnacle of success in the sport, and it's her prerogative to enjoy it however she wants. OTOH, all of the spin and the empty promises are starting to remind me of Nicole Bobek's various "comeback" articles.

Arsenette

10-19-2002, 12:30 AM

Originally posted by icesk8er31
Am I the only one that noticed in the article that Michelle will be joining the field of Skate America competitors. Did I misread? I think that's pretty interesting, too!

Nope.. you are not deceived Michelle Kwan is replacing her:

USFSA Article (http://www.usfsa.org/skatamer02/news/kwanmich-add.htm)

kwanette

10-19-2002, 06:00 AM

I agree with Louis. If Sarah never competes in eligible compettions again, that is certainly her right. She has always expressed a real interest in education and, by now, she must have applied to several prestigious colleges. If she applied early decision, she should hear by mid December. I never felt after her Olympic win that Sarah would be back in the serious eligible ranks. Last fall in an article she commented that after the Olympics, she wasn't sure if she would continue...and that was BEFORE her Olympic win.I have absolutely no problem with someone like Sarah, Tara, etc...going pro. The ultimate prize in skating is the OLY. gold...Both achieved this at an early age, and to some, a bit unexpectedly....(I never underestimated either). Tara took a lot of flack for the multitude of reasons for going pro...Sarah promised us that "she would never say goodbye..."Maybe what some people want to hear is..."I won, I'm outta here..."instead of all kinds of other reasons...I won't call them excuses....

CMc

10-19-2002, 06:33 AM

Well my feelings on the situation are that Sarah should just do what's right for her. Maybe I don't necessarily sound like a non-biased fan of skating--In general I like to think that I am, but I think I take great exception when it comes to Sarah Hughes, and ever since I've started reading about her, I've been looking more at the person rather than the skater. I do remember there was that article where she said she wasn't sure about the future, and I felt like there would have been a great loss if she decided to stop now, but I keep coming back to the idea that I would totally understand why if she did decide to stop. Mind you, I would miss the heck out of her!
I don't necessarily believe this is the end of her competitive elgibility. This is just another injury--She's had 'em before, she'll have 'em again (not that I hope for that), and I'm pretty sure she wants to stick around for a while.

kwanette

10-19-2002, 08:05 AM

Patty

10-19-2002, 10:40 AM

Originally posted by Halo girl
Someone please tell me the difference in practing every day and competing for a few days? Considering her doctor is clearing her for practice, to really practice she's got to move her legs. Same thing she's going to be doing in competition. Maybe I'm really missing something, but it just doesn't sound right that she can do her work at home, but can't do it when it really counts. I think she just doesn't want to tarnish the Olympic medal by not doing well this season.

When Sasha withdrew fron '01 Nationals with her back problem, she continued practicing. But, mostly just stroking, with no jumping. That's one reason she did the ribbon program for COI that summer-- it involved little, if any jumping. So, I imagine Sarah will spend the next month or so, just stroking and working on some of the inbetweens that don't aggravate her injuries.

Patty

10-19-2002, 10:50 AM

At first, I was surprised to read that Sarah didn't seem to be trying to do later GP events, like Tim is trying to do. But then I got to thinking-- would she be able to get later GP events, even if she wanted them? Is she unable to get later GP events, because she's didn't do Worlds and thus is not a top six seeded skater, like Tim is?

Patty

10-19-2002, 11:08 AM

Originally posted by icesk8er31
Am I the only one that noticed in the article that Michelle will be joining the field of Skate America competitors. Did I misread? I think that's pretty interesting, too!

When the link in the first post was originally posted Friday morning, there was no mention of Michelle. It appears that the writer updated the article late afternoon or evening. So, I don't think those who posted prior to you in the thread knew about Michelle's participation.

I think even non fans got to hand it to Michelle for stepping in with only a week's notice. From what I had read, Michelle had been back on the ice only two weeks before Campbell's and has the whole getting used to the brand new coach thing to contend with as well. So, I hope Michelle will have her SP ready in time! I also hope if she doesn't skate well, which is likely with this being so last minute, that people won't be crying for Michelle's retirement.

singerskates

10-19-2002, 11:15 AM

In practice, you can slow down and not push so hard. If something hurts, you omit doing it. You just keep working on the things that don't hurt you until you are healed or can stand the pain. REsults are not as critical in practice as in competition. In competition you have to push yourself to do everything no matter how you feel or your body feels. In that, that's where the difference lies.

Sara is probably just stroking around to keep in shape as she heals. She may also be running through her program just doing the artistry, footwork and backspins. She most likely is not jumping at this time to let the injury heal.

Brigitte, adult skater who is off of the ice do to ovarian cyst surgery. At least Sara still is allowed on the ice. I am not for another two weeks. This puts my training for my competitions back more than a month.

Tapper

10-19-2002, 01:15 PM

I understand where you are coming from...I tend to be pretty unbiased...until Michelle is involved. I was actually looking forward to the GP events this year without having a nervous stomach...An opportunity to "just enjoy skating.." But now, I only have a week to get my meds lined up...for Skate America!!

Kwanette, I know
exactly what you mean! My nerves are raw already just thinking about it.

Regarding those who question Sarah's injury and whether or not she and her coach and the doctor are telling the truth, what proof do you need to satisfy you that the injury is real?

LAVENDER

10-19-2002, 01:44 PM

Well Sarah will decide what's best for her and if she turns pro then I wouldn't blame her. I'm not hardly a fan but it's hard to come back after a win like she had at the Olympics. The expectations, the motivation but I'm sure she wants to at least win Nationals once. Worlds would just be a bonus. Good luck to her because she will be under the microscope similar to Michelle. She does sound disappointed that things are going this way. I'm sure she wish she had more time to do all the things that she would like to do. It was hard for Michelle to balance commitments, school and skating and now Sarah knows. Personally I think Sarah will make a better doctor. I can totally see her as this caring doctor. I do hope she sticks it out for maybe one more year or until after Worlds.

Lee

10-19-2002, 02:19 PM

AAARRRRRRGGGGGHHHHH!!!!!!

Since when does pulling from comps that are one week apart equate with turning professional?????

The girl is hurt and, unlike some other skaters who pushed their bodies past the point of no return, she's taking time to heal. This is a GOOD thing and will help her 'longevity' in the sport, be it as an eligible or professional skater.

As for practicing while injured...yeah, it happens all the time. Ask any skater who's had to pull from a comp because of injury. They will continue to keep up the cardio training on the ice simply with stroking and doing non-jump (or whatever hurts the injury) elements just to keep things going.

I wish people would cut ALL these skaters some slack -- THEY and their COACHES know what's best for them, not a bunch of fans who like to pick apart every move (or non-move) they make...

(stepping off my soapbox now...)

Spinner

10-19-2002, 02:24 PM

THANK YOU LEE!!! Well said... :D

LAVENDER

10-19-2002, 03:16 PM

LOL. She's not turning pro but if she does it wouldn't be a big deal and I wouldn't blame her. Really there's just too much crap to deal with when you make it to the top. I hope she stays at least one more year and improve.

donnamarie

10-19-2002, 05:35 PM

Well personally I think that Sarah does intend, at this point, to remain eligible for four more years, and I expect to see her at Nationals and Worlds for sure, barring injury. And I do think she is injured and the doctor said what they said he said.

On the other hand, if Sarah wanted to turn pro now I wouldn't mind, and I never criticized Tara or Ilia for turning pro either. They should each do what they want to do, it's their career. I hope Sarah stays eligible, just because the competition will be more exciting the next few years if she does. I look forward to seeing Sarah and Sasha compete the next few years, as they are both exciting young skaters whose time in the spotlight has come. As for who withdraws, who retires, or whatever, I always think that's up to the skater and none of my business.

Badams

10-19-2002, 11:00 PM

Originally posted by adrianchew
Its a "no win" unfortunately. Tara was picked apart for turning pro right away. Sarah is now being picked apart after choosing to remain eligible.

and michelle and irina get picked apart for staying in it "too long" and stealing the newer skaters sunshine :roll: . i swear...people are never satisfied!

too bad for sarah. but how great for michelle to step up and replace her! maybe sarah will be able to sign up for a later GP event? i am just happy that she's being smart and taking time out to heal and not rush in and compete for fear of what some might say about her absence. but i was sort of looking forward to seeing her finally get the respect she deserves as a skater.

CMc

10-19-2002, 11:32 PM

Yes Lee, well put!:D
And donnamarie too!
I especially hope Sarah stays in long enough that she'll be competing with her sister Emily!

donnamarie

10-20-2002, 07:42 AM

Originally posted by CMc
I especially hope Sarah stays in long enough that she'll be competing with her sister Emily!

That would be cool. I remember when Michelle and her sister competed at a few events.

nits

10-20-2002, 12:15 PM

ITA with Badams.

It's unfortunate that Sarah won't be at the GP events. I know Michelle had a lot of criticism, and some real happy non-fans, when she wasn't sure what she wanted to do. I was looking forward to Sarah vs. Sasha.
However, if Sarah is injured, I applaud her for withdrawing and doing what is best for her. I don't want another Olympic Champion only able to do certain jumps due to injury, or never being able to put on a pair of skates again.
Sarah is a good role model for young kids. She is doing what should be done with an injury....taking time off to heal. Winning isn't everything, and I think Sarah realizes that.

NorthernLite

10-20-2002, 02:47 PM

Originally posted by Louis
I, for one, won't be surprised if Sarah Hughes never skates in a real eligible competition again. And I won't fault her for it. She achieved the pinnacle of success in the sport, and it's her prerogative to enjoy it however she wants.

Or, she can spend the autumn watching the GP series, seeing other skaters doing well and getting all the attention, and get motivated to come back strong.
Assuming she can heal and train well for U.S. Nats, this could actually be a good thing for her -- to have some down time and get re-energized.

RobinA

10-21-2002, 07:53 AM

Practice for an upcoming competition would be much more strenuous than just practicing the various parts of her program that don't aggravate her injury. Triple jumps, combos, all VERY hard on the body. Generic practice could mean anything and can certianly be done in a way not to stress overworked muscles. Heck, she could take this time to practice good posture.

grinning

10-22-2002, 01:51 PM

I just knew there would be someone out there that would be salivating over Sarah's misfortune. What a crock! Why would she -- or Robin Wagner -- EVER calculate this? Has she ever done anything in the past to indicate that dropping out would be an option for her? Has she ever NOT wanted to compete? She LIVES for competition! No. Nothing about Sarah Hughes is a quitter. So let's consider another scenario as to why she opted out of SA and SC. Hmmmmm....I have it. How about this one: She was INJURED!
:roll: