Nathan Chen represents the United States at international competitions. He is the two-time world champion in figure skating. His program two weeks ago was a latin-style short program. He choice this style of music and choreography so that he receives extra points through his component score. He always finds music that matches his skating style and technique. He also has an outfit to match the skating choice. He has a latin dance outfit on that suits him and his skating. His skating is always enjoyable for anyone to watch.
Chen opens with a huge quad toe, triple toe combination. This jump is huge and landed perfectly. He received a base value of 13.70 for the element, and an additional 3.56 points in GOE because of how elegantly it was executed. After this he did fast and intricate steps going into a triple axel that took a lot of height and snapped quick in the air. He received a base value of 8 points for the jump, and an additional 3 points in GOE. His first spin is a change sit spin that received a level 4, base value of 3 points, and 1.10 in GOE. The flying spin required for the short program is a flying camel, so he transitioned with deep edges into this spin. The judges gave him an additional .64 points to the base value of 3.20. His final jump pass is a enormous quadruple flip. This has a base value of 12.10, and his GOE was 3.85. His step sequence was very enjoyable to watch, as he had a lot of speed going into every turn or extension that needed to be held. It is evident to see that he has a lot of power, speed, and grace with his skating. His step sequence definitely did not disappoint, as he received an additional 1.95 points added to the level 4 step sequence, which is extremely difficult to get. He received a level 4 on the final spin which was a combination spin. The base value for this high level spin was 3.50 points, and he received an additional 1.40 in GOE.
Nathan Chen is one of the absolute best skaters in the world. Every time he is out on the ice, it is a pleasure for anyone to watch him skate. He always gets into character and puts the emotion behind whichever program he achieves. Everyone enjoys to see him doing what he loves, and skating his absolute best every time he is out on the ice. He did an excellent job on this short program, and many people cannot wait to see him medal in this competition so that he has a spot in the Olympics. He already has three titles at Skate America, and this is going to be his forth. After this program he is in first place by 11.81 points.
For more Figure Skating coverage, click here.
