Nathan Chen readies for 2016 U.S. Nationals

[gsk8]

USA’s Nathan Chen skated to gold at the 2015-16 ISU Junior Grand Prix (JGP) Final in Barcelona, Spain, this past Friday. It was the fourth appearance at this event for the 16-year-old who won bronze two years ago in Fukuoka, Japan.

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Now the skater will focus on the upcoming 2016 U.S. National Figure Skating Championships which will determine if he is named to the Four Continents team as well as Worlds (junior or senior).

“My goal going into competitions is not to beat others, but to beat myself,” said the 2014 U.S. Junior champion, when asked regarding his strategy competing against others later this season. “I set a goal for all competitions and I like to accomplish that goal, but I like to know what the others are doing so that I can better prepare myself.”

He placed 8th in his senior debut at nats last season. How do you think he will fare this year?

 

[frida80]

He got an injury last year. This year should be better. Plus he's only one of the two skaters actually have quads.

 

[HanDomi]

He has very high chance of winning national if he will land his quads

 

[mrrice]

He has very high chance of winning national if he will land his quads

That comment is only HALF right. He has a high chance of winning if he lands his quads and Max, Adam, and Joshua, don't. I wouldn't put him ahead of a "Semi" clean Max in TES and he's not even in the same league with Adam, Jason, Joshua, or a healthy Ricky D. when it come to Components. His best hope is the 3rd spot or pewter and a trip to 4CC. I like him but, he still looks like a Junior.

 

[Interspectator]

Mrs. P, do you have Nathan's averages VS his other US counterparts? How perfect would he have to be to be the winner at Nationals?