Hughes on standby as Kwan considers quitting

0 Comments | AFP, February, 2006

TURIN, Italy (AFP) — US figure skating alternate Emily Hughes was on standby as five-time world champion Michelle Kwan admitted that she may be forced to pull out of the Winter Olympics as she struggles to come back from injury.

Nine-time national champion Kwan was handed one of the three berths on the US team despite missing the national championships because of a groin injury at the expense of 16-year-old Hughes, sister of 2002 Olympic champion Sarah Hughes, who finished third.

But the 25-year-old, who has also had hip problems, struggled at her first training session Saturday ahead of the competition which is due to start on Tuesday February 21.

"Dropping out is not something I want to do but I have to listen to my body. Physically if I was not able to...