Nathan Chen, born on May 5, 1999, is an American figure skater who has made an indelible mark on the sport. He is celebrated as the 2022 Olympic champion and a three-time World champion, having clinched titles in 2018, 2019, and 2021. Chen's impressive accolades also include being a six-time U.S. national champion from 2017 to 2022 and the 2017 Four Continents champion. His prowess on the ice is further highlighted by his three Grand Prix Final championships and a remarkable ten Grand Prix medals, showcasing his dominance in figure skating.
Known as the 'Quad King,' Chen has redefined the technical standards of figure skating with his mastery of quadruple jumps. He is the first skater to successfully land all five reverse take-off quadruple jumps in competition, earning positive grades of execution. His record-breaking performances have established him as the current world record holder for men in both the short program and combined total score, as well as the highest total scores in major ISU competitions, including the Olympics and the Grand Prix Final.
Chen's journey began at a young age when he became the youngest skater to win a U.S. Championship at the novice level in 2010. His accolades continued to grow, making him the first Asian American man to win U.S., world, and Olympic titles in single skating. In 2022, he made history by being the first man to win six consecutive U.S. titles since Dick Button, and he also became the first single figure skater to win both team and singles gold medals in the same Olympic Games.
Beyond his athletic achievements, Chen has garnered recognition in the broader cultural landscape. He was named Most Valuable Skater at the 2023 ISU Skating Awards and featured in Time magazine's list of the 100 most influential people in the world. Additionally, he has authored two books, including his memoir, 'One Jump at a Time: My Story,' and the children's book 'Wei Skates On...'.