Great Neck resident and Olympic figure skater Emily Hughes says that she is confident heading into the free skate portion of the competition Thursday.

Hughes spoke with News 12 Long Island?s Erin Colton in an interview Wednesday, saying she was very pleased with the clean performance that left her in seventh place after the short program. Hughes added that the support she has received from Long Islanders has been phenomenal.

Hughes, younger sister of 2002 Olympic champion Sarah Hughes, made the team as the first alternate when Michelle Kwan withdrew from the competition last week. Colton will be in Turin this week to provide a behind-the-scenes look into Hughes' quest for a medal.

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