Nagasu lands historic axel & U.S. takes 3rd

PYEONGCHANG, South Korea — Mirai Nagasu became the first American woman — and third overall — to land a triple axel in the Olympics, helping the U.S. to a bronze medal in the the team figure skating competition.

The 24-year-old from Montebello, Calif., skated first in the women’s free skate portion and led off her routine with the triple axel just 21 seconds in. The feat drew huge cheers from the crowd at the Gangneung Ice Arena.

Adam Rippon and siblings Alex and Maia Shibutani put on impressive performances to help team USA to the third-place finish. Canada took the gold medal and the Olympic Athletes from Russia won silver.

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