[2] Her father, John Hughes, was a Canadian of Irish descent and was one of the captains of the undefeated and untied NCAA champion 1969–70 Cornell University ice hockey team.

[7] On May 25, 2009, Hughes graduated from Yale and received a bachelor's degree in American studies with a concentration in U.S. politics and communities.

As the fourth-place finisher, Hughes would not normally have received one of the three spots for U.S. ladies at the 1999 World Championships, however, Naomi Nari Nam, the silver medalist, was not age-eligible for the event according to ISU rules.

Hughes was likewise not age-eligible, but at the time a loophole existed for skaters who had medaled at Junior Worlds.

[15] In the 1999–2000 season, Hughes made her Grand Prix debut, winning the bronze medal at the 1999 Trophée Lalique.

[15] On September 7, 2001, at the age of 16, Hughes was invited to meet United States National Security Advisor Condoleezza Rice.

[15] In the 2001–2002 season, Hughes again competed on the Grand Prix, winning the 2001 Skate Canada International while placing second at her other two events.

[19] At the 2002 Olympics, Hughes won the gold medal in what was widely considered one of the biggest upsets in figure skating history.

She was the youngest skater in the competition, and was not expected to seriously challenge the favorites, teammate Michelle Kwan and Russia's Irina Slutskaya.

Hughes became the first woman in Olympic history to land two triple jump-triple jump combinations in a 4-minute free skate.

Her artistry, above-average edge quality, and ice coverage combined to establish her as a "strong all-around skater" and ensured her gold-medal win.

[24] Hughes took the 2004–2005 year off from college and skated professionally with the Smuckers Stars on Ice tour company.