Kwan-replacement Hughes arrives in Turin

Updated: 2006-02-17 11:15

TURIN (AFP) - Emily Hughes, the 17-year-old replacement for US figure skating star Michelle Kwan, arrived in Turin to compete in the Winter Olympics.

Emily Hughes, seen here in 2005, arrived in Turin to compete in the Winter Olympics as a replacement for Michelle Kwan who pulled out of competition due to injury. [AFP/File]

The younger sister of 2002 Olympic champion Sarah Hughes got a late call-up last Saturday when Kwan pulled out after picking up a new groin injury.

"She'll be arriving today (Thursday) but she won't be training until her practice sessions tomorrow," said United States Olympic Committee (USOC) spokeswoman Laura Fawcett.

Hughes finished third at the US Nationals last month, but lost her place on the Olympic team after Kwan received a medical bye.

Hughes, who has been training near her home in Greak Neck, New York, joins world silver medallist Sasha Cohen, the US champion, and runner-up Kimmie Meissner on the ladies team.

Hughes arrives with her father John and coach Bonni Retzkin.

Her mother Amy, Sarah and four other brothers and sisters are expected to arrive in Turin over the next few days ahead of the ladies' competition which begins on Tuesday.

Competing in her first senior year Hughes, who was a bronze medallist at last year's junior world championships, finished fifth at Skate America and Cup of Russia in the Grand Prix series before placing third at the US nationals.

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