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13-year old has blast and finishes seventh
HELSINKI, Finland (AP) - For a 13-year-old figure skater who was not supposed to be at the World Championships, Sarah Hughes had a great time.Hughes nailed six triples to finish sixth in the free skating and seventh overall as Maria Butyrskaya of Russia beat out American Michelle Kwan for the title.
"I had a blast out there. It was so much fun," she said. "I'm just so happy. Being here is so great."
The skater from Great Neck, N.Y., was ninth after the short program.
She skated to "Swan Lake" in the long program Saturday, not making any major mistakes and even doing two triple lutzes including one in combination.
She received marks from 5.2 up to 5.6, and finished ahead of the other American, Angela Nikodinov, who came in 12th. Hughes was ecstatic coming off the ice and hugged her coach Robin Wagner.
Hughes finished fourth in the U.S. championships in February with only three women's spots available.
Another 13-year-old, Naomi Nari Nam, was second to Kwan but was not allowed on the team, being below the minimum age limit of 15.
Nevertheless, Hughes was picked because of a special exception that allows junior worlds medalists to participate in the senior worlds. Hughes was second in the world junior championships in December.
"I can't do anything about the rules ... I just wanted to do my best and not worry," Hughes said.
Hughes was the youngest competitor in Helsinki. She said she didn't let her age worry her.
"I didn't really think about it. I just wanted to show I could do well here, that I belong here," Hughes said.