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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 4, 2002
PR-047-02
www.nyc.gov


MAYOR MICHAEL R. BLOOMBERG PRESENTS KEY TO THE CITY
TO OLYMPIC GOLD MEDALIST SARAH HUGHES


Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg today presented the Key to the City to Olympic Gold Medalist Sarah Hughes at City Hall. During the 2002 Winter Olympic Games in Salt Lake City, Sarah Hughes jumped from fourth place to first with a near perfect long program, passing her rivals to win the ladies figure skating gold medal at the age of sixteen. The Mayor was joined by Deputy Mayor for Economic Development and Rebuilding Daniel L. Doctoroff and NYC Sports Commissioner Kenneth J. Podziba.

"Sarah's incredible performance, as well as the joy she exuded during it, inspired our nation and will be an indelible part of Winter Olympic history," said Mayor Bloomberg. "In an instant, Sarah achieved the status of America's sweetheart, winning the ladies' gold medal on the biggest figure skating stage in the world. On behalf of all New Yorkers, I am delighted to present Sarah, who already has a piece of our hearts, with the Key to our City."

"In Sarah Hughes, we have a new champion who personifies the spirit and dignity of the Olympic Games and her stunning performance is what Olympic dreams are made of," said Sports Commissioner Podziba.

In addition to her 2002 Olympic gold medal, Hughes was a 1998 Junior National Champion at the age of twelve, finished third at the 2001 World Championships, and won the Bronze medal at the 2002 US Figure Skating Championships, qualifying her for the US Olympic Team.

Hughes was born in 1985 and hails from Great Neck, Long Island. Despite her demanding skating schedule, Hughes still attends school at Great Neck North High where she takes honors level classes. The fourth of six children, Hughes began skating at the age of three, following in the footsteps of her two older brothers and sister, who are also avid skaters. To prepare for the Olympic Games, Hughes practiced for two-and-a-half hours a day, six days a week to hone her technical skills and work on her program.

 

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Contact: Ed Skyler/ Jennifer Falk
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