Chen: He cuts a fine figure
18-year-old champ favored for skating gold
U.S. men’s figure skating history at the Olympics is gilded with gold.
Nathan Chen has his sights set on some more.
At 18 and already a twotime national champion, Chen is among the favorites for the Pyeongchang Games. Some say there are five reasons why: the number of quadruple jumps he has planned for the free skate. And that outrageous agenda puts him in a stratosphere to which his fellow contenders can’t soar.
There’s more to Chen, though, than the four-revolution jump that essentially has become the decider in the men’s event. He’s improved every aspect of his performance — from artistry to footwork to spins to overall presentation.
“You need the full package,” Chen said. “The jumps have come quicker than the rest for me. Maybe it’s innate; I have a body built to jump. I need to find a purpose in my movements, to feel the program and the music, to analyze what I was doing right and wrong. For a while, it had all been done pretty much by feel.
“Now with the help of my coaches and choreographers, I have an understanding of each move. I have felt more passion in my skating and more of a connection to the music.”
Chen is the American with the best shot at gold in South Korea. Here’s a look at the U.S. team: like Chen he is improving in other areas. Still, he’s a longshot for a top-five spot.
Adam Rippon, 28, was added to the squad in place of Ross Miner after finishing fourth at nationals. A committee felt the veteran has a stronger international résumé, and his flair for the dramatic in his programs goes over well with the crowds.
“I’ve been very consistent, and I’m grateful for this opportunity,” Rippon said. “I feel like my experience will help me have my best performances at the Olympic Games, and it feels amazing to say that.” eight years ago, then slumped, before rallying to finish third at the 2014 nationals — only to be bumped for Ashley Wagner by the U.S. Figure Skating committee.
Nagasu again struggled, but her resolve and resilience were on full display in early January, when she finished second to Tennell at nationals.
“I decided I was going to build a résumé that they couldn’t say no to,” she said.
Bradie Tennell, who will be 20 when the Olympics begin, emerged from the shadows to win the U.S. championship. She was spot-on with everything in San Jose and seems to have, well, ice water running through her veins.
Karen Chen, the 2017 national champ, slid back for much of this season, then had a strong showing at nationals to earn a spot for Pyeongchang. The 17-year-old Chen could use some polish, yet she can be mesmerizing to watch.
All three American duos are formidable, though breaking into the top two ahead of the Canadian and French ice dancers might be near-impossible.
Madison Hubbell and Zach Donohue broke their habit as “bronzemaids” by winning the U.S. championship, and their free dance not only is sultry, but complex and enchanting.
Maia and Alex Shibutani and Madison Chock and Evan Bates — who like the Shibutanis were on the U.S. squad at the Sochi Games — are well-regarded internationally.