McClainJohnson.com

Staying Cool with
Sarah Hughes

The nineteen year old figure skater/Olympic gold medallist is currently traveling across the nation as a part of the “Smuckers’ Stars On Ice” tour. Sarah recently wrote in to discuss her training techniques, falling over, and what inspires her.

What’s the biggest misconception about ice skaters?

That we get used to the cold!

What was your experience like in high school?

I did miss some school for skating, and that kept me busy, but it probably wasn’t all that different from yours.

How do you deal with pressure and stress?

Call my friends, take a bath, go to a movie. And, of course, if I know what’s stressing me out, I try to make a plan that alleviates it and deals with the problem.

Who/what inspirers you?

Meeting other people, seeing how they find happiness.

Did you have a New Year’s resolution?

I didn’t.

Aside from your win (which I would guess was the highlight for you), do you have a favorite memory from the 2002 Olympics?

I loved just spending time with the other athletes and meeting all the volunteers! They were so enthusiastic! 🙂

Where do you keep your gold medal?

At home.

What was the biggest thing that you learned from your experience at the Olympics?

That you can touch a lot of people by just being yourself.

You covered the Olympics in Greece last summer; did you have a favorite moment?

Too many to mention. It was an amazing experience.

How’s the tour been going?

It’s been fun and I love the show.

What’s your daily training routine?

I work in the gym daily, stretch, practice and do the shows.

What’s the hardest aspect about being on the road?

Being away from my family and friends.

What’s your favorite music to skate to?

Whatever I’m listening to at home or in the car at the time.

What has been your most embarrassing moment on the ice?

Hahahahahahaha…there have been a couple! Falling in a group number always ranks up there, too.

You were quoted in Sports Illustrated saying that you are going to use this tour to look for a boyfriend. What sort of qualities do you look for in a guy?

Someone who is easy-going, intelligent, nice, and happy with who he is.

Describe yourself in three words.

Spunky, silly, determined.

Do you have a motto that you live by?

It’s nice to be important, but it’s more important to be nice.

What are some of your hobbies?

Reading, emailing, IMing, movies, talking, TENNISS!!, playing with my dog.

Do you have any hidden talents?

Nope – not that I’ve discovered!

If there were a movie made based on your life, whom would you want to play Sarah Hughes?

Me! But I’m not sure I’d want to live it all over again! Haha…

What’s the biggest piece of advice that you would give to teens?

Try to be happy with yourself. And be nice to your parents – they really do have your best interests at heart.