?None of This Would Be Possible Without Her?- Nathan Chen Talks About His Mother?s Inspiring Story

Nathan Chen is quickly becoming a household name after his movie-like Olympic redemption. He won gold in Beijing, defeating the double Olympic champion and long-time rival Yuzuru Hanyu. He is the first American to win gold at the Olympics since Evan Lysacek in 2010.

But behind his gold is the wonderful support system of his family and friends. A central figure in that system is his mother, Hetty Wang. In an interview, Chen shared about his mother?s journey and the difficulties she faced along the way.

Nathan Chen and his family

Chen?grew up with four older siblings in Salt Lake City, Utah. He started skating at the tender age of 3, and when he turned 11, he started training under his current coach Rafael Arutunian. In order to make that happen, his mother took him to Lake Arrowhead, California. She?s been by his side from day 1, and even before that, her journey as an immigrant is incredible. In an interview, Chen talked about the obstacles she faced.

?She?s very inspiring, coming from China to a place where she didn?t speak the language,??said Chen.??At the same time raising five kids, hopping around from city to city trying for my dad?s education.?

He posted a heartwarming mother’s day wish on May 10, where he talked about how she spent countless hours driving him back and forth and never complained.??She?s put a lot of time and effort into helping me get to my goals,??Chen added.??None of this would be possible without her drive and ambition, her know-how, and her work ethic.?

READ MORE:??Was Difficult to Finance Skating?- Nathan Chen Credits Family?s Support and Sacrifices for His Golden Moment

What is Chen doing now?

After becoming an Olympic champion, Chen has fulfilled all his current goals in skating. Now, he has taken a break from the sport and is focusing on his education. Chen enrolled himself at Yale University. Here, he still has two more years to get his degree in statistics and data science.

Chen has expressed his desire to live out the rest of his college life like a normal student and stay away from the competition. However, he will maintain his skating in some form and decide after graduation, whether he wishes to continue his competitive career. For now, he is touring the country with members of the US Olympic team in ?Stars On Ice? shows.

DIVE DEEPER: Nathan Chen?s ?Rocketman? Dream Finally Comes True, Attends Elton John?s Concert With Figure Skating Team