Nathan Chen

[yyyskate]

I also think Nathan is a bit too young for DWTS, especially now he is seriously considering and preparing for his second OG.

@oatmella John Curry is one of the most balletic skater in figure skating history. I only watched one performance of John Curry before all these Nathan connection. And I was wowed by his postures and lines. I think Nathan's Japanese fans have asked him about John Curry, I assume Nathan is fully aware who John Curry is and perhaps John Curry is indeed one of Nathan's many skating idols.

EDIT: I hope Nathan can hold his landing like John Curry

 

[lappo]

I also think Nathan is a bit too young for DWTS, especially now he is seriously considering and preparing for his second OG.

@oatmella John Curry is one of the most balletic skater in figure skating history. I only watched one performance of John Curry before all these Nathan connection. And I was wowed by his postures and lines. I think Nathan's Japanese fans have asked him about John Curry, I assume Nathan is fully aware who John Curry is and perhaps John Curry is indeed one of Nathan's many skating idols.

EDIT: I hope Nathan can hold his landing like John Curry

Nathan indeed know about John Curry, he mentioned him as inspiration in the interview with the Japanese journal, together with Lambiel (I'm sorry, I think there was at least another one but I cannot remember about him).

 

[sheetz]

Nathan indeed know about John Curry, he mentioned him as inspiration in the interview with the Japanese journal, together with Lambiel (I'm sorry, I think there was at least another one but I cannot remember about him).

It was Curry, Lambiel, and Mao.

 

[sheetz]

I just found the interview on this thread - thanks sheetz for translating! Very interesting.
lol that the interviewer asked him if he was in love. Was he in a relationship with Mai or was he just being playful on his Instagram?

I don't think he and Mai even know each other particularly well.

 

[1111bm]

Have you seen this victory ceremony? Just wanted to take a quick peek to see the placement and ended up watching the whole thing, because it was so entertaining (as far as victory ceremonies go):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vzPm0qdzEyg

Daniel and Nathan chatting and chuckling throughout the WHOLE ceremony is so funny! They look so relieved to be in the company of someone they're comfortable with during this stuffy procedure.
(Daniel's also quite the entertainer while he's taking a bow hehehe)

And that poor third-placed Zhang, first he forgets to congratulate the other ones and probably felt embarrassed about it, and then awkwardly tries to make up for it when they're leaving the podium, poor kid...

Also, watch out for that one asian-looking lady (journalist/photographer?) towards the end of the video, taking a picture of the three, and then she obviously can't help ruffling through Nathan's hair!
(What is it with older people/adults, that even when they are complete strangers to children, they always have to stroke their heads or pinch their cheeks? And Nathan's 16 years old here, mind you...)

 

[sheetz]

^I think that lady was one of the Chinese coaches and it appears she knows him. She also patted his head after his FS.
https://youtu.be/VE_jhx7DKBc?t=4m58s

 

[1111bm]

^I think that lady was one of the Chinese coaches and it appears she knows him. She also patted his head after his FS.
https://youtu.be/VE_jhx7DKBc?t=4m58s

Haha, okay! Yeah I assumed as much, actually. I just remember feeling really awkward when people still did that to me when I was a teenager (even people that knew me well), so I kind of feel for others in that situation.

 

[Farnaz]

This is my first post in Nathan’s fan fest. I wanted to thank you guys for sharing the 2015 TSL interview, it showed me another perspective of Nathan that I was not familiar with. I have not followed Nathan since his childhood, unlike Yuzu, and for me he was just another rival that appeared in Yuzu’s path. But because of TSL interview I checked other videos of Nathan and my heart ached when I saw that little boy with a cast on his wrist in the kiss and cry. He has worked so hard for so long, I hope he gets the results that he deserves and accomplishes whatever that is best for him.

 

[besti loop]

My heart ached when I saw that little boy with a cast on his wrist in the kiss and cry. He has worked so hard for so long, I hope he gets the results that he deserves and accomplishes whatever that is best for him.

As Rafael said, "Who else could do this [win] with a cast on his wrist?" He said it in another TSL interview, btw

 

[besti loop]

Have you seen this victory ceremony? Just wanted to take a quick peek to see the placement and ended up watching the whole thing, because it was so entertaining (as far as victory ceremonies go):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vzPm0qdzEyg

Daniel and Nathan chatting and chuckling throughout the WHOLE ceremony is so funny! They look so relieved to be in the company of someone they're comfortable with during this stuffy procedure.
(Daniel's also quite the entertainer while he's taking a bow hehehe)

And that poor third-placed Zhang, first he forgets to congratulate the other ones and probably felt embarrassed about it, and then awkwardly tries to make up for it when they're leaving the podium, poor kid...

Omg, this video is so cute, they're small, and yeah, poor He lol Happy Nathan is life

 

[lappo]

This is my first post in Nathan’s fan fest. I wanted to thank you guys for sharing the 2015 TSL interview, it showed me another perspective of Nathan that I was not familiar with. I have not followed Nathan since his childhood, unlike Yuzu, and for me he was just another rival that appeared in Yuzu’s path. But because of TSL interview I checked other videos of Nathan and my heart ached when I saw that little boy with a cast on his wrist in the kiss and cry. He has worked so hard for so long, I hope he gets the results that he deserves and accomplishes whatever that is best for him.

Welcome! Post long, post often!
Nathan was not the luckiest person around between his growing bone traumas and his injuries and that makes his achievements remarkable; same with Yuzuru who had to overcome asthma and the whole earthquake situation (and many other skaters, whose early years were not a cakewalk exactly). It makes their journeys even more compelling and make you want them to to their best.

 

[Sasha'sSpins]

Nathan is NOT too young for DWTS. He is an 18 year old young adult. Even younger contestants than he have been on the show and won such as Laurie Hernandez, Shawn Johnson (both 16 when they were on IIRC). She did not win but actress Willow Shields who starred in the "Hunger Games" movie franchise as Prim Everdeen was 14 when she was on DWTS!

I DO agree that Nathan (as well as Mirai, and other athletes who are still competing) have a lot on their plates. That being said, most U.S. figure skaters aren't baseball or football Pros or Michael Phelps. The 1990's are over. The days of professional figure skating opportunities to pull in big money are long gone. Nathan, Adam, Mirai, and the Shibs have to strike while it's hot IF making big money is a goal for each of them respectively. I certainly wouldn't pass up the chance to make good money on DWTS as well as expanding my fan base into the bargain AND possibly pulling in even more sponsors. It's a tough call. Above all I want Nathan to stay healthy, at the top of his game and win Olympic gold one day and some World titles would be nice too!

I do agree that he is not managed the way you see other skater and that either Raf find a way to work on this too or he should consider moving to better coaching options (even though I cannot think of better other than Orser). For instance all the other competitors have in house choreography or the choreographer travel to see them (i.e Boyang) not the skater. As for the custom, we all know that he could have done better with what he was wearing in his first outings and this would have saved time from travel. And as for sponsorship, I'm glad that he has been able to capitalize all the year of investment but for some reason I find his manager a bit too pushy and eager to think about money more than Nathan welfare (it's her job, of course and she probably gains a good chunck of his contract); that's my impression but I think that they could have toned down the interviews, the media outings and everything else (see Yuna or Yuzuru before the Olympics, where there was no access to them and the only information was through Brian).

Do you mean Nathan's Vera costumes? If so, then no, we don't 'all know' that about Nathan's costumes. I may be in the minority but I happen to love ALL of Nathan's Vera Wang costumes this year. He is petite and they show off his lines beautifully. I especially loved the all black suit. :luv17: But to each his own.

 

[yyyskate]

^^ "I certainly wouldn't pass up the chance to make good money on DWTS as well as expanding my fan base into the bargain AND possibly pulling in even more sponsors."
if to "make good money" is the only goal. I think Nathan after OG deliberately kept a very low profile is because USFS still needs Nathan's hard work for quite a few years...

As for Vera's costumes I like the all black (brush stroke) suit Nathan wore for US nationals FS and OG Team SP the best. yet it is a rip-off of one of Evan's previous show costume...
Nathan's profile/lines looked the best in that suit and the use of different shades of black is the most flattering to his particular body shape. And the transition from his upper body suit to his black pants (he was wearing the same black pants in all his Vera packaging) is natural and seamless (not a cut in the middle).

his OG FS with that little white collar (this idea is cute though) is a distance second. yet do not like the charcoal grey in his sleeves that cut his arm lines and makes his arms looks like sticks. the little white collar is a cute and sexy focal point in this design. Nathan's neck is very sexy (if you know what I mean), and that little white collar showcased it really well.

his OG individual SP thermal underwear suit is the worst (please burn that costume), he looked fat in it, and the white/grey top, not only make him seems missing one arm on ice, also cut his upper body into even narrower shape. Nathan has a relatively narrow shoulders and upper body (perfect for jumping quad), but aesthetically, just a little exaggeration (through costume design) of his upper body will make his overall body shape very well balanced. Such in the case of his all-black brush stroke Vera costume. the black brush pattern on Nathan's upper body is horizontal, visually, it broadened/opened his shoulder just a tiny bit, and made his over-all profile on ice perfect. Similar effect in Nathan's shirt costume before Vera. those shirt is a little loose and puffed, also created a nice balance of Nathan's upper and lower body. However, his OG SP individual costumes, is the opposite visually... thus he does not look good in it .

Nathan's neck is as sexy as his turn-out free leg.

 

[hhh]

Have you seen this victory ceremony? Just wanted to take a quick peek to see the placement and ended up watching the whole thing, because it was so entertaining (as far as victory ceremonies go):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vzPm0qdzEyg

Oh my, yes I found this award ceremony two weeks ago after someone here shared a Nathan’s junior championship, I loved it. It’s precious to see him so happy and himself with Daniel, totally a teenager hangin with his bud atmosphere and I agree the China bronze medalist was a bit odd since he didn’t offer congrats to others and then did a last minute awkward greet later which led me to believe he’s new to the scene and didn’t know how to carry himself. The China female coach padding his head was an aww moment for me reminded me when Mirai did that during the team event, wonder how he likes it haha.

 

[hhh]

What I mean he’s young for DWTS is not based on the age number, more so of the young career he has, I believe both Hernandez and Johnson medaled prior to appearing on the show which is a big contrast, they were the talk of the town like how Chloe is now. I personally think he needs to medal at the Olympics or at least the Worlds before doing this gig. In addition, to risk injury which many do during the filming is something I think he can do without even with good money. Nathan if he stays healthy and competes at top of his game, will remain quite popular and I don’t think Nike or Coca-Cola are brands who easily invest in short term athletes, just my opinion If DWTS can work magic on long forgotten one-hit celebrities, I believe Nathan has a lot more to offer.

 

[lappo]

My two unrequested cents on the DWTS thing: I wonder if Nathan could be interested and willing to take part on a show like this? I mean, while the other skaters and athletes seems to me all focused on becoming media stars (Mirai, Adam, Ashley, Lindsay Vonn) or have longtime interest in the media (Shibs) Nathan seems really shy and introvert and not much interested in the fame that came upon him (his hope for the future is to go to Harvard after all). It is true that he may have changed his mind but I don't feel this vibe from him right now. We will see, though.

 

[yyyskate]

@oatmella thanks. profile-wise, I think OG TE SP is better, showcase Nathan's neck wise, OG FS is better, but none of these did a particular good job in terms of Nathan's arm/wrist/hand lines and movements... which is as sexy as his neck and turn-out free leg. Nathan's costume in the future will be a big project for sure
oatmella, maybe you wanna elaborate a little as for why you think his OG FS is the best.

As for showbiz, DWTS. I just wish Nathan will spend more time in his true talent which is figure skating. He does not seems very natural in front of a camera (not like ShibSibs, even Vincent is better than Nathan in that regards). Also I do believe he has a talent for a medical doctor (surgeon).

But I would like to see Nathan dance somehow. Anyways, I never watched DWTS. for dance shows, I am more into So you think you can dance (not follow it as closely as before tho). but, Yeah Alex Wong!

 

[Kelly]

I think Nathan would be interested in taking part in the all skaters DWTS if his schedule allows.
Although he describes himself being very shy and introvert, it seems to me that he likes to explore
any territory that's new and attracting to him, besides DWTS is about dancing and being with his friends.

 

[yyyskate]

@oatmella yeah, Nathan did looked quite uncomfortable in his Vera costume, I think maybe the zipper bothered him. he changed his brush-stroke costume big shining zipper to black one and did not zip all the way up as well (just like he is still adjusting his OG FS white collar right before comp).

I kinda like his black lace costume from last year's SP program now. it is also all black and his profile on ice is pretty amazing in that costume.

Any design that show Nathan's neck and give him breath room looks better. e.g. like a plain white (or black) shirt or his competition costumes (the ones show his neck).

the problem about a plain white shirt is that it tends to pile up on Nathan's shoulders as his skating goes on.

 

[skfan]

Thank you for news and discussions, everyone--especially oatmella and yyyskate for your thoughtful replies to my question and 1111bm for the reminder of that happy moment from JGP Logrono (sp).

my take on DWTS is please, no. Enough already. First of all, everybody will be wuzrobbing Mirai, Adam, Shibs, Zach Donahue, anybody who's expressed interest in the show, anybody who's won an Oly medal or a world medal or had a less disappointing showing at Olys. hhh has said (i paraphrase) Nathan is young in his career, not age. He will be accused of being handed yet another accolade he hasn't earned based on career stats.

The thing is I don't know the family's financial picture. Does he have enough sponsor $ left to continue skating without putting his parents into further financial straits each additional season? If yes I would not want *more* sponsors--have we learned nothing from recent disasters? UNLESS it was written into the new contracts that he wouldn't have to do a song and dance for new sponsors the way he did at this Olys for each existing sponsor--and what are the odds of that? Would you trust his agent, who makes more $ if he signs more contracts, to really stand strong for his sake and insist on something close to that? How can she? Nathan is not exactly negotiating from a position of strength with these Olys results. I'm sure his agent is a good person and she cares very much about his well-being. But you can't ignore financial incentives--most doctors believe they have their patients' best interest at heart, too, and yet more OB-gyns per capita means more hysterectomies.

penniavaswen said she and Nathan's mom both watched how he failed to disengage with fans at that pre-Olys rink send off, how she didn't think he knew how to say no. He strikes me as nowhere near selfish enough to TRULY put his dream first. There is a certain ruthlessness you need when it's crunch time, to really forget everybody else--not just your fellow competitors but also your mother, your coach, your choreographer who will be disappointed you took out her clever transition, your countrymen, everybody you love and feel indebted to. He hasn't demonstrated to me that he knows how to do this. The Oly LP doesn't prove to me that he will either know how to properly take charge of the next Olys season or have the ruthlessness to actually implement such a strategy. All it proves is it took him way too long to get to the 'screw it, I don't care anymore' point.

Besides, during Cup of Russia, didn't the British Eurosport guys say sponsor agreements pay according to your placements? If he trains smarter he can get more $ from existing contracts with existing sponsors.

More sponsors... I don't see how that's even on the table, unless existing sponsors have dropped him and now it costs him upwards of $100,000 per year he sticks with the sport. Chase more sponsors now and rue it years from now, I fear. Not just in terms of skating results that are disappointing payoffs for years of skating with injuries, skating with pain, but also college grades that make it difficult to get into med school. Time spent on gigs for sponsors is time he can't spend on training, studying, or just plain de-compressing from the stress of his demanding life.

Sorry but I just... I still can't get over how mis-managed his Olympic season was. Chasing more sponsors would be one MORE example of putting his family first, consequences to the rest of his skating career and life be damned.

And as others have said, that's penny wise pound foolish. Win first so that sponsors will pay you bigger bucks per contract signed. Don't grab at the smaller contracts because you're so desperate to repay debts, financial and emotional.

Here's one more way to minimize financial burden on on his family:
Train *smarter* and win what you want to win by the next Olys so you can finish your career sooner, each year no longer paying skating bills = $150,000 (ignoring inflation) saved.

*thinks back to Nathan as a kid skating with cast on hand, having to worry about making sure he doesn't break a fall during practice/warm up/ competition with an already injured hand*

Get into med school and pay back your student loans yourself. Many individuals nowhere near as impressive as Nathan have managed to. Don't be chasing sponsors now because of future college bills. That will mean more years spent pounding your joints, damaging your body.

Patrick Chan has already predicted (in Bev Smith article) that Nathan and Shoma won't be able to do other sports later in life. Even if Nathan is too young to picture himself as a middle aged person without cartilage in hip and knee joints, or to feel any sense of loss at the thought that he won't be able to chase after his grandkids at the park, I hope his parents and siblings will help him put all considerations in perspective and save him from his I-must-do-this-for-my (insert any and all of these terms: mom, family, teacher, coach, federation, sport....) at-all-costs mindset.

*****

.... and... now that I have annoyed everyone...great timing, lol... Does anyone have all three parts of Nathan's Sun Valley skate? Would you would be willing to re-upload for me?

https://www.instagram.com/p/BXNwJBnF5eN/

Thanks in advance.