Nathan Chen Is an Olympic Champion — and His US Figure-Skating Family Is So Proud

Nathan Chen dazzled in the men's figure-skating competition at the Beijing Winter Olympics, claiming a gold medal [1] he still can't believe he won [2]. He vied for that top spot with a world-record-setting short program [3] followed by a quad-filled long program — and his signature dance break did not disappoint.

Chen's free skate was largely set to Elton John's "Rocketman," and the music icon himself congratulated Chen on Twitter [4]. It's also been incredibly touching to see Team USA figure skaters both in Beijing and watching from afar show support after his spectacular win.

There's so much more Olympic figure skating to come, and Chen shared that he's excited to cheer on the rest of his teammates from the stands (and maybe watch some hockey while he's at it). But first, check out celebratory words from US figure skating's current and past stars ahead. You can just feel all the pride!

Past Olympic-Gold-Medal Figure Skaters From Team USA Congratulate Nathan Chen

American figure skaters who won Olympic gold medals welcomed Chen to their decorated group in a heartwarming video. "Do you have to be so cool [6] about it?!" ice dancer Charlie White, a 2014 Olympic champion with partner Meryl Davis [7], exclaimed, adding: "Congratulations, buddy. That was bananas! You deserve it, you earned it the hard way, and we respect you so much, we appreciate you so much. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for being who you are."

Evan Lysacek, 2010 Olympic champion, said that Chen is joining "the most exclusive club" with his gold medal. "So be proud, enjoy every minute of the celebration. We're all so proud of you here at home and can't wait to see you and celebrate with you." Tara Lipinski, the 1998 Olympic champion who also works as a commentator for NBC, told Chen that he is inspiring the next generation of skaters. "You know the impact that you have had on our sport and what you've done on the ice, but what makes it even greater is who you are off the ice."

Another highlight from the video? Kristi Yamaguchi, who won a 1992 Olympic gold medal in women's figure skating, welcomed Chen to the "US Olympic gold family" and called him her idol. Chen commented on the video, "This means the world to me," mentioning everyone who sent their congratulatory messages. "I have so admired each of your legacies and am so grateful to you for paving the way."

Jason Brown Gives Nathan Chen Praise

"He just is like no one else," Jason Brown said of Chen, according to USA Today [8], after placing sixth in men's figure skating in Beijing. "He's constantly proven himself, and he's gone through so much. And you've seen him just get better and better and better. And the way that he's dealt with the pressure is remarkable."

Karen Chen Is Proud of Her "Brother" Nathan Chen

Karen Chen has yet to compete in the women's individual competition in Beijing, but she came back strong in her team-event free skate [9] after a short-program fall. Chen posted this TikTok in support of Chen's gold medal, writing: "so freaking proud of my 'brother.'"

Mariah Bell Knew Nathan Chen Won Gold Right Away

Mariah Bell is a close friend of Chen's [10], and the two train together. "I don't want to put words in his mouth, but obviously he's feeling the weight of the world," Bell said of Chen [11]. "He handled it so well. He deserves to be an Olympic champion, because few people can handle it." She added, too, that she knew he secured gold before he started his free skate.

Adam Rippon Cheers on Nathan Chen (in Tears)

Adam Rippon, Chen's teammate in Pyeongchang 2018 who now coaches Bell, was in tears after Chen's gold-medal moment. Rippon quipped that he doesn't care that you can see him crying because he's not scared of his emotions. (Don't worry, we were crying, too!)

Michlle Kwan Calls Nathan Chen's Gold a "Great Moment For Our Sport"

Chen said in a press conference [12] that having Michelle Kwan as a Chinese American athlete to look up to was inspirational. Kwan, a two-time Olympic medalist, wrote on Chen's Instagram tribute to his mom [13], "So precious, I'm sure your mom is so proud 🙌 What a great moment for our sport to have such an extraordinary champion and role model both on and off the ice. Congratulations, so well-deserved!!"

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