Nathan Chen Just Turned His Disappointing Start Into Olympic History With 6 Quad Jumps
Nathan Chen proved he is the king of quads by making history with six quadruple jumps in the figure skating long program at the 2018 Winter Olympics.
Chen, who broke hearts across the U.S. Thursday when he came in 17th during the figure skating men’s short program, came back with a vengeance in the long program Friday, and set new Olympics quad jump record in the process.
Chen, who became the first figure skater to make five quad jumps during a competition in 2017, broke his own record during the long program Friday by pulling off six quad jumps. He earned a total of 215.08 points — a new personal best — 297.35 points in total, and was in first place by the end of his program.
After a disappointing night for many who were following Chen this week, the win felt like redemption to all his fans and was a moment of pride for former U.S. figure skaters.
SIX. QUADS. @nathanwchen MAKES HISTORY. pic.twitter.com/1kSmH0EKrc
— U.S. Figure Skating (@USFigureSkating) February 17, 2018
HOLY QUADS @nathanwchen #champ #fighter #amazing
— Michelle Kwan (@MichelleWKwan) February 17, 2018
6 QUADS. @nathanwchen did that. He did that???? #WinterOlympics2018 #NathanChen #YES
— Rylee Jones (@Rylee_jones97) February 17, 2018
AND I WOULD DO ANYTHING FOR
*perfect quad*
LOVE
AND I WOULD DO ANYTHING FOR
*perfect quad*
LOOOVE
YES I WOULD DO ANYTHING FOR LOVE
*sets up for quad, but then I just wag my finger at the judges and smile*
BUT I WON'T DO THAT
[flawless score, a hailstorm of stuffed bears]— Lin-Manuel Miranda (@Lin_Manuel) February 17, 2018
Wow... @nathanwchen, you are brilliant. So much respect. #pyeongchang2018 #bestofus
— Meryl Davis (@Meryl_Davis) February 17, 2018