Former Olympic gold medalist Nathan Chen opened up about the emotions he experienced while watching his former teammate Alysa Liu win gold at the World Figure Skating Championships on Thursday night. As a former teammate and friend of Liu, Chen expressed his pride and excitement for her historic achievement.
Chen, who won the gold medal in men’s figure skating at the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, has been a mentor and role model for Liu since they trained together at the same rink in California. The 19-year-old skater has been a source of inspiration for the 15-year-old Liu, who is the youngest ever U.S. ladies’ national champion.
In an interview after the competition, Chen shared his thoughts on Liu’s victory, saying, “I am beyond proud of Alysa. She has always been such a hard worker and to see her win gold at such a young age is truly remarkable.” He also added, “Being her former teammate, I have seen her dedication and determination first-hand, and I couldn’t be happier for her.”
Chen’s words reflect the sentiment of the entire figure skating community, who have been captivated by Liu’s talent and poise on the ice. Liu’s performance at the World Championships was nothing short of spectacular, as she landed multiple triple jumps and displayed incredible artistic ability. Her scores were enough to secure her the gold medal, making her the youngest ever ladies’ world champion in figure skating.
But for Chen, Liu’s victory holds a special meaning. As a fellow skater, he understands the hard work, sacrifices and dedication required to reach the top of the sport. Chen has also been through the pressure of competing on a world stage, making Liu’s accomplishment all the more impressive to him.
“I remember being in her shoes not too long ago, and I know how much it takes to perform at this level. To see her do it at such a young age is truly inspiring,” Chen said.
Chen and Liu’s relationship goes beyond the sport of figure skating. They have formed a close bond over the years, with Chen taking on the role of a mentor for the young skater. He has been there to offer advice and support, and Liu has always looked up to him as a role model.
In an interview before the World Championships, Liu spoke about her relationship with Chen, saying, “He has been an amazing mentor to me. I have learned so much from him, not just about skating but also about how to handle the pressure and expectations that come with being a top skater.”
For Chen, seeing Liu reach the top of the podium was a proud moment. He understands the sacrifices and challenges that come with being a competitive figure skater, and to see his former teammate succeed at such a young age is a testament to her talent and hard work.
As the figure skating community celebrates Liu’s historic achievement, Chen’s words of encouragement and support for his former teammate serve as a reminder of the camaraderie and sportsmanship that exists within the sport. Despite the competitive nature of figure skating, athletes like Chen and Liu continue to inspire and motivate each other to reach new heights.
Chen’s words of praise for Liu also highlight the importance of having a strong support system in the world of sports. Liu’s family, coaches, and teammates have all played a crucial role in her success, and Chen has been an integral part of that support system.
As both Chen and Liu continue to push the boundaries of what is possible in figure skating, their friendship and mutual respect serve as a reminder that success is not just measured by medals and titles, but also by the relationships and connections formed along the way.
In conclusion, Nathan Chen’s words of pride and support for his former teammate Alysa Liu’s gold medal win at the World Figure Skating Championships are a testament to the talent, hard work, and sportsmanship that exist within the figure skating community. As both skaters continue to inspire each other and the world, their friendship serves as a reminder of the power of mentorship and support in achieving success. Congratulations to Alysa Liu on her historic achievement, and to Nathan Chen for being a role model and champion on and off the ice.
