Long before Team USA figure skater Alysa Liu won gold at the 2026 Winter Olympics, Americans had the opportunity to cheer on Sarah Hughes.
Back in 2002, Hughes traveled to Salt Lake City and competed against the very best figure skaters in the world.
Although she was an underdog at the 2002 Olympic Games, Hughes surpassed expectations when she beat out fellow American Michelle Kwan and took home the gold medal.
“I think a lot of people counted me out and didn’t think I could do it,” Hughes said after the win. “I didn’t even think it would be possible.”
As Team USA continues to celebrate Liu’s win in Milano Cortina, Us Weekly is looking back on Hughes’ unforgettable win and her life today. Keep reading to see how the Olympian is living the golden life more than 20 years after her win:
Why Was Sarah Hughes’ Gold Medal Win a Big Deal?
When Sarah Hughes competed at the 2002 Winter Olympics, many analysts predicted that she wouldn’t medal, partly because she never won a top-tier women’s singles event outside of the Olympics.
The New York native, however, made the United States proud at just 16 years old when she skated her way to a gold medal in ladies’ singles figure skating.
On her return home to Long Island, New York, Hughes was honored with a parade through the streets.
How Did Sarah Hughes React to Alysa Liu’s Gold Medal Win?
Sarah Hughes had the opportunity to be in Milano Cortina when Alysa Liu won gold in women’s figure skating.
“Huge congrats to OLYMPIC CHAMPION @alysaxliu !!! ⛸️🥇🇺🇸⛸️🥇🇺🇸⛸️🥇🇺🇸,” Hughes wrote via Instagram in February 2026 with footage from the medal ceremony. “Thrilled and honored and grateful to be here in person to pass the most recent American Women’s Olympic Champion in Figure Skating title to you!! 👏👏👏(First video taken by me, shortly after recovering from crying!).”
During her trip to the 2026 Olympics, Hughes also had the chance to spend time with fellow figure skaters Scott Hamilton and Ilia Malinin.
What Does Sarah Hughes Do for Work Now?
After graduating from Yale and studying law at the University of Pennsylvania, Sarah Hughes became an attorney.
She also was named the host of the “Good as Gold” podcast, which features one-on-one conversations with Olympic gold medalists.
Is Sarah Hughes Married?
Sarah Hughes married her husband in June 2023.
In photos posted via Instagram, Hughes chose to keep her husband’s identity a secret. At the same time, she allowed her fans to get a look at her wedding day dress thanks to professional photos from Karen Wise.
“June 24, 2023 ✨,” she wrote via Instagram one month after her wedding day. “Aww!! 🥰🥰🥰 Thank you for all the sweet and kind comments.”
Did Sarah Hughes Run for Political Office?
In May 2023, Sarah Hughes announced she was running as a Democrat to represent New York’s 4th Congressional District, which was held by Republican Rep. Anthony D’Esposito at the time.
“Long Island can be a great place to live and raise a family. We can tackle the rising cost of living,” a campaign donation website for Hughes read via CNN. “We can restore the SALT deduction so families don’t have to forgo their kids’ education to meet their financial obligations. We can get assault weapons off our streets and keep our communities safe.”
Hughes ultimately decided against running for a seat.
“For those interested, I have decided not to run for Congress at this time,” she said on X in September 2023. “Like many Americans, I have become increasingly frustrated with the state of our politics and politicians over the last several years. I will continue to advocate for reducing healthcare costs, promoting the effective use of our tax dollars, and implementing pro-growth and innovative economic policies for our country.”
