“I Still Have a Lot Ahead of Me”: Nathan Chen is “Very Happy” After Stellar Figure Skating Opening Display at Beijing Winter Olympics 2022

The 2022 Winter Olympics couldn?t have kicked off in a better way for Nathan Chen. With the start of the team figure skating events on Thursday, the American skater has already put on his best performance, overcoming his previous record. Chen has given team USA a huge head start in the team events with his inch-perfect jumps and spins.

The 22-year-old has made an explosive return to the 2022 Winter Olympics after his underwhelming performances at the previous edition. He has managed to turn things around in his favor and has emerged with a breathtaking performance.

Nathan Chen starts off Beijing with an impressive performance

On his return to the Olympics on Thursday, February 3rd, the three-time world champion was at his very best. He seemed determined and ready as he danced his way around the ice, perfecting the intricate jumps and spins. He has managed to pull off a combo of a quadruple and a triple jump along with the most difficult quad to ever land: the quadruple lutz.

His spotless skating had resulted in a final score of 111.71, moving him to the top of the leaderboard.

“I still have a lot ahead of me. Of course, I am very, very happy. I might not be the most emotive person, but deep down I am happy,” Nathan said.

Nathan skated to Charles Aznavour?s “La Boh?me” while his teammates watched from the sides of the rink. The top five teams are to advance to the second half of the event, which means Nathan and his US team will be performing next Saturday as scheduled.

Previously, Chen has revealed that he will not let the pressure take a toll on him this time. He revealed he would try to have some “fun” at the Games.

Chen has a different take for this Winter Olympics

Prior to the competition, in an interview with PEOPLE, Chen admitted that though it was easy to fall into the trap of the pressure building inside, he tried to keep things in perspective, mindful of the past while embracing the things he loved about the sport.

“I think that looking back in 2018, all I could think about was skating and not being able to, obviously, skate well. So I want to definitely be able to embrace the Games in a different way,” he said.

Chen has realized that there is much more to life than just one moment. He wants to take things easier this time and focus on having fun while giving his best.

“I’m just here to have fun,” he said.

After his performance, Chen said that he was ?really happy? with his set and was eagerly awaiting his chance to support the other skaters, the same way they supported him in 2018.

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