As a child of Chinese immigrants growing up in a predominately white community, Chen struggled during his childhood to find hometown heroes he could look up to for inspiration. After Asian American athletes Michelle Kwan and Kristi Yamaguchi broke onto the figure skating scene, Chen's self-confidence and excitement about the sport skyrocketed. "Growing up in Salt Lake City, where most of my classmates and fellow athletes were predominately white, you don't see that reflection of yourself as easily," Chen told YaleNews. "I see myself in these athletes, and I see how capable they are and how talented they are. If they can do it, hopefully I can do the same thing, too. Being able to see a face like yours helps a lot as an athlete."
