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Nathan Chen

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Nathan Chen is a famous American figure skater.

Nathan Chen at the 2014 U.S. Figure Skating Championships (photo by Leah Adams)
Nathan Chen at the 2014 U.S. Figure Skating Championships (photo by Leah Adams)

Many people call him the "Quad King." This is because he is a master of quadruple jumps. These are very difficult jumps where a skater spins four times in the air. He is the first skater to land all five types of reverse take-off quadruple jumps in a competition. These jumps are named the Lutz, flip, loop, Salchow, and toeloop.

2016–2017 Grand Prix of Figure Skating Final Nathan Chen IMG 4000 01
2016–2017 Grand Prix of Figure Skating Final Nathan Chen IMG 4000 01

He has broken many world and national records. He even holds the world record for the highest total score in men's skating.

Skating at this level requires amazing skill and strength. To prepare, Nathan trained in many different ways. He took ballet classes for over six years. He also studied gymnastics to help his coordination. These activities helped him become a powerful athlete on the ice. When he rotates in the air, he uses a special "seat belt" position. This means he pulls his arms across his torso to spin faster.

Nathan Chen-GPFrance 2018-Gala-IMG 7695
Nathan Chen-GPFrance 2018-Gala-IMG 7695

He learned this helpful move from his coach, Karel Kovar.

Nathan's journey started when he was very young. He was born in Salt Lake City, Utah, in 1999. He began skating at age three in a beginner class. By age ten, he was already the youngest novice champion in the U.S. He worked very hard to reach the top. Sometimes his family did not have much money for skating gear. Nathan and his mother even slept in their car during trips to California. This helped him train with his main coach, Rafael Arutyunyan.

His career is full of many big wins and medals.

2019–2020 Grand Prix of Figure Skating Final men's singles medal ceremonies 2019 12 07 2355
2019–2020 Grand Prix of Figure Skating Final men's singles medal ceremonies 2019 12 07 2355

He won the gold medal at the 2022 Winter Olympics. In those same games, he also won gold in the team event. This made him the first skater to win both types of gold at once. He is a three-time World champion from 2018, 2019, and 2021. He also won six U.S. national titles from 2017 to 2022. He was the first Asian American man to win these major titles.

Nathan is much more than just an athlete. He is a writer who has shared his story in two books. One is his memoir called "One Jump at a Time." The other is a book for children called "Wei Skates On."

Nathan Chen-GPFrance 2018-Gala-IMG 7649
Nathan Chen-GPFrance 2018-Gala-IMG 7649

He grew up in a family that loves chess and music. He even learned to play the piano and the guitar. His success shows how much hard work and practice can achieve. He remains one of the most influential people in the world of sports.

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🖼️ Images & Media (9)
File:Nathan Chen at the 2014 U.S. Figure Skating Championships (photo by Leah Adams).jpg
Nathan Chen at the 2014 U.S. Figure...
File:2016–2017 Grand Prix of Figure Skating Final Nathan Chen IMG 4000 01.jpg
2016–2017 Grand Prix of Figure Skating...
File:Photos – World Championships 2018 – Men (Medalists) (1).jpg
Photos – World Championships 2018 – Men...
File:Nathan Chen-GPFrance 2018-Men FS-IMG 2519.jpg
Nathan Chen-GPFrance 2018-Men FS-IMG 2519.jpg
File:2019–2020 Grand Prix of Figure Skating Final men's singles medal ceremonies 2019 12 07 2355.jpg
2019–2020 Grand Prix of Figure Skating...
File:Nathan_Chen-GPFrance_2018-Gala-IMG_7695.JPG
Nathan_Chen-GPFrance_2018-Gala-IMG_7695.JPG
File:Nathan Chen 2015.png
Nathan Chen 2015.png
File:Nathan Chen-GPFrance 2018-Gala-IMG 7649.JPG
Nathan Chen-GPFrance 2018-Gala-IMG 7649.JPG
File:2019 Internationaux de France Saturday medals men 8D9A8421.jpg
2019 Internationaux de France Saturday...
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