Nathan Chen Scores New World Record

On Feb. 7, 2022, Nathan Chen set a new world record for the highest score in the men’s short program at the Beijing Olympics. Nathan ultimately scored at 113.97, therefore, placing him in the number one spot. Chen’s performance included two quadruple jumps and a triple axel.  

Four years ago in the Pyeongchang competitions, Chen had a terrible Olympic debut. He referred to this moment as “disastrous.” Due to the horrible previous Olympics, many people who watched the Olympics were anxious to see if Chen would fall short again. 

In 2018, Chen had a high score in the free skate portion but could not recuperate the points needed after the short program. He ultimately finished in fifth place. This time around, he made sure that he would not fall short on his points, in order to give himself the best chance to win gold. 

After his routine, Chen told NBC interviewers, “I was elated. Last Olympics, both short programs didn’t go the way I wanted and to finally get the opportunity to skate the programs the way that I wanted-it feels really great. It means a lot.”

Currently, there are 2 skaters who pose a serious threat to Chen’s gold medal opportunity. Both Japanese, Yuma Kagiyama and Shoma Uno, are close behind Chen. Kagiyama is presently in second place with a score of 108.12. Uno, who received a silver medal back in 2018, is in third place. 

As of Feb. 9, 2022, Nathan Chen is in first place for the Men’s singles free skate in figure skating. He received the gold medal. In second place is Japanese skater Yuma Kagiyama, and in third place is Japanese Shoma Uno. Kagiyama will take home silver, and Uno will take bronze.