He dreamed of it, he did it. The American Nathan Chen, triple reigning world champion, won the first Olympic title of his career on Thursday, February 10, at 22 years old. With 332.60 points and a world record in the short program, the young prodigy dominated the competition from start to finish. The France Télévisions consultant, Philippe Candeloro, double bronze medalist at the 1994 and 1998 Olympic Games and vice-world champion in 1994, analyzes for franceinfo: sport this brilliant Olympic coronation.
Perfect consistency
Since the start of the competition in Beijing, the American skater Nathan Chen has shone with his consistency in the short and free programs. With 332.60 points, he outpaced the competition after finishing in first place in the short program on Tuesday, February 8. This performance, performed to the notes of Bohemian by Charles Aznavour, as a bonus allowed him to set a new world record. “It’s rare to see an Olympic champion win the short program and the free program”remark Philippe Candeloro.
Impressive physical condition
This domination is indicative of the physical excellence achieved by the 22-year-old American. “He showed that he was really ready for the Olympics, especially since he also participated in the team competition. Nothing tired him”, greets Philippe Candeloro.
“He is a hard worker. He has protected himself a lot from Covid-19 since his arrival in Beijing, continues the consultant of France Télévisions. He did all his training with the mask. When you are able to perform, in training, a free program while wearing the mask, with quadruples, triples without the slightest fatigue when you are almost in apnea … It proves that he was ready.
Unstoppable technical dominance
In addition to impeccable physical condition, Nathan Chen is revolutionizing his discipline with his mastery of quadruple jumps, his specialty for several years. “He has been doing quadruple lutz and flip for some time now, which he did in the program today. He does what other skaters do, but better, with better sequences and more reps.” Explain Philippe Candeloro.
Thursday, during the free program, he chained five quadruples. “He was the only one to do it and to succeed. It’s the result of a long preparation, not six months, but three years, in my opinion”, he remarks.
A champion’s mind
In 2018, during the Pyeongchang Games, Nathan Chen took part in his first Olympic Games and was expected to be the new nugget of American skating. But the pressure is too great. He finished the short program in 17th place. A ranking that he will not be able to climb in the free program, despite a good performance. So, in Beijing, his desire was stronger than anything. “He needed revenge for the last Olympics. I think that’s what made him an Olympic champion today,” believes Philippe Candeloro.
And if he lacked mental strength four years ago, today it is quite the opposite. “He was programmed to become Olympic champion, and he did not flinch. He went last in the free program, and despite the excellent performances of the two Japanese just before him, Yuma Kagiyama and Shoma Uno, he held up the pressure” , to analyse Philippe Candeloro. “I thank him for the show he gave us, concludes the former skater. Today, he especially marked the spirits by showing that he was a reliable skater, who does not undergo the pressure. He will inspire his generation and the next.”