Beijing 2022: Nathan Chen eyes elusive Winter Olympic gold in battle with Yuzuru Hanyu
- Showdown between American and Japanese stars will be highlight of entire Olympic figure skating programme
- ‘Every season my goal is to keep improving … I’m just enjoying this moment,’ Chen says
Nathan Chen has accomplished just about everything that one can accomplish in the sport of figure skating.
Six consecutive national championships, the most since two-time Olympic champion Dick Button in the 1940s and ‘50s.
Three consecutive world championships, the best run by an American since Scott Hamilton in the early ‘80s.
Nearly four years with only a single defeat, a run that includes three consecutive wins at the Grand Prix Final.
The only thing he’s yet to accomplish? Winning Olympic gold.
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The 22-year-old Chen blew his chance four years ago in Pyeongchang, when an unusually poor short programme cost him a chance at a medal; he rallied to finish fifth. But he’s about to get another shot next month in Beijing, when Chen goes toe-to-toe with two-time defending gold medallist Yuzuru Hanyu and a stacked field at historic Capital Indoor Stadium.