Former United States figure skating luminary Nathan Chen possesses an acute understanding of the immense pressures that accompany performing on the Olympic stage.
At the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics, an 18-year-old Chen already heralded as the “Quad King” following an undefeated season, including a victory at the Grand Prix Final confronted the unforgiving scrutiny of the global audience.
Early miscalculations, notably a fall on his opening quadruple lutz, an error on his subsequent jump, and a hands-down triple axel, culminated in a fifth-place finish, demonstrating the relentless demands of elite competition.
Eight years later, Nathan Chen observed a comparable ordeal as fellow American Ilia Malinin saw a commanding five-point lead following the short programme dissipate after multiple falls in his final routine, ultimately securing eighth place.
Nathan Chen reflected on the similarities, highlighting the psychological strain inherent in Olympic-level competition and the fine margins separating triumph from disappointment.
“I can certainly reflect on my own experience in 2018,” Chen remarked. “Entering the short programme, I was burdened with immense pressure, apprehension, and doubt. Observing Ilia attempting his quad axel and other elements, one could perceive a degree of hesitation, and by the conclusion, it was simply not his night.”
Chen elaborated on the compounding effect of audience scrutiny, emphasising how the energy and reactions of spectators can magnify every minor misstep, heightening the skater’s vulnerability.
Offering guidance to Malinin, he stated: “Ilia is in an exceptional position youthful, ambitious, and brimming with potential. He is undoubtedly a figure who will command attention throughout numerous Olympic cycles. Yet tonight is a moment for reflection, to reassess mentally and physically, and to devise a strategy to deliver a markedly improved performance in the next Games.”
Chen’s own journey offers a compelling testament to resilience: four years after his 2018 disappointment, he claimed Olympic gold at the 2022 Winter Olympics, exemplifying how perseverance, focus, and unwavering dedication can transform setbacks into ultimate triumph.
