Nathan Chenjust doubled down on his amazing Olympic performance.
The American figure skating superstar is heading into the second half of the men’s individual competition with a strong lead after his performance in the short program on Monday night (Eastern).
“I’m elated. Last Olympics, both short programs didn’t go the way that I wanted and finally getting the opportunity to see the program to the way that I wanted feels really great, means a lot,” Chen told NBC of his performance.“Every opportunity that I get at competitions is one that I should be grateful for, especially the Olympics, that’s a completely different story,” he added of his mindset for this year’s competition. “So I’m just really happy to be here.”
For more on Nathan Chen, listen below toour daily podcast on PEOPLE Every Day.
He finished ahead of a pairing from Japan: Yuma Kagiyama, who scored a second-best 108.12, and Shoma Uno with 105.90.
Nathan Chen competing in the Beijing Winter Olympics.Matthew Stockman/Getty
Heading into the event, Chen’s prime competition was Yuzuru Hanyu of Japan.
Hanyu is a two-time Olympic champion and is eyeing a chance to win three consecutive gold medals in the men’s single skating event. He would be the first todo so in close to a century. Yet, Hanyu ended the event with a score of 95.15, only good for eighth place.
Now, he’s learned to remind himself “like, yes, this is a pretty stressful time, but at the same time, there’s a lot more to life. There’s so much more than this individual competition than this one shot.”
David J. Phillip/AP
RELATED VIDEO: Olympic Medalist Gracie Gold Recaps Short Program Figure Skating at the Winter Olympics
Jin Boyang was the first skater from China to perform at Monday’s event. He danced to an orchestral movement that gradually increased in speed and energy. He earned continuous applause and cheers from the crowd, and earned a 90.98 score, lifting him into first place after five performances.
To learn more about Team USA, visitTeamUSA.org. Watch the Winter Olympics, now, and the Paralympics, beginning March 4, on NBC.
source: people.com
