Nathan Chen | Page 955 | Golden Skate

Nathan Chen

Sachiko translated the WFS interview. An interesting read!
Thanks for sharing. It comes as no surprise that he’s such a thoughtful, intelligent and socially aware guy. I’m glad he addressed the music in the short program. He must have read that there was some (in my opinion, unwarranted) flack for that, since the movie is a fusion of Mexican, Spanish and American artists. Auditing physics and science classes is an impressive use of his downtime. I think it’s University of California - Irvine (not University of Irvine). That probably just got lost in translation.
 
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Nathan’s “What are you grateful for?” message from the Olympics account


This has nothing to do with his skating and obviously a skater doesn't 'need' to be well-spoken, but...

Can I just say, that I'm extremely impressed with how much Nathan's way of expressing himself has improved over the past few years?

I remember back when I started following him, watched a few interviews or press stuff, I thought that he sounded a bit clumsy and just figured that he's not someone who's gifted in verbal skills (yes I realise that he was still a teenager back then, but still, you can usually tell with teenagers).
So I'm more than surprised whenever I listen to him nowadays, the way he constructs his sentences and puts his thoughts into words is very precise, thoughtful and eloquent.

I have to admit I often cringe (a lot) when I listen to most other US skaters when they speak ("And I'm like... and like...and then like..." or desperately trying to sound intellectual and highbrow). So I'm glad Nathan has such a pleasant way of speaking. ☺️
 
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That backflip still freaks me out. Even more than the idea of him practising a 4A.

I’m glad he addressed the music in the short program. He must have read that there was some (in my opinion, unwarranted) flack for that, since the movie is a fusion of Mexican, Spanish and American artists.

I like his explanation, which makes sense, he shouldn't have to defend himself though. It's Shae's responsiblity as a choreographer, not his. He should be able to trust and rely on her expertise regarding styles and cultural accurateness.
 
Yes, I've seen video of him falling out of backflip but I wasn't too concerned at the time. Performing it in a layout position is harder than the usual tuck position, though, so I hope he doesn't try that in exhibitions.
 
I thought it was interesting what Nathan said in this interview, about skaters feeling 'pressured' to attend an event such as Skate America for financial reasons, even when it carries a certain risk. Because even without a podium finish, their placement has an impact on the financial support they receive. I guess he means the money skaters receive for their training from the US federation or in some cases, other organisations supporting them?

Don’t worry, 1111bm. He’s a former gymnast. Backflips are de rigueur. Has anyone seen him fall doing a backflip?

Yes, I know about his background in gymnastics. But vaulting yourself up in the air using your toe-picks is different than doing so from your feet. Toe-picks can slip on occasion, when they don't grip the ice sufficiently.
And, as always with everything, it only takes one bad fall...
 
I love what Kurt said to Nathan, I love what qualities he sees in him and I agree (also lol at his comment about Nathan's hair ;) and the fan question regarding the quad Axel 🤣).
 
Surprised that Kurt hasn’t met Nathan in person formally. Regarding Quad Axel, did Nathan say it is possible but would take several seasons or months? Missed on that..
I love what Kurt said to Nathan, I love what qualities he sees in him and I agree (also lol at his comment about Nathan's hair ;) and the fan question regarding the quad Axel 🤣).
 
"Several years" I think. 😄

ETA: I listened to it one more time: "Maybe in a couple more years"

It was funny how he didn't "pretend" anymore, that he isn't working on it. 😆
 
Well technically he did not say he was working on it. It may be accomplished by someone else in a couple
more years :)
 
Yeah, but saying that he "hasn't accomplished it yet" implies that he's probably at least working on it, if only slowly/a little.

In the past (before his 4A attempt at LVI practice got leaked), whenever he got asked about it, he would always make sure to establish, that it's not sth. he's working on, or even considering working on, until someone else lands it first.

It was nice to see Nathan again, but he looked rather tired and we didn't learn anything new (not that I expected to, those types of interviews are rarely insightful or interesting when you're already following a skater and watch/read most of their interviews).

But happy for Kurt, that he finally got to meet him 😉, even if it wasn't exactly in person (haha, he's so hyper and such a jokester, kinda the opposite of Nathan, who's pretty subdued, at least in front of an audience/'strangers').
 
I love what Kurt said to Nathan, I love what qualities he sees in him and I agree (also lol at his comment about Nathan's hair ;) and the fan question regarding the quad Axel 🤣).
What did Kurt say about Nathan’s hair? I missed that part.
 
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