Nathan Chen sets world-record, secures strong lead in men’s short program

Salt Lake City's Nathan Chen. Photo: U.S. Figure Skating

BEIJING — Salt Lake City’s Nathan Chen continues to dazzle the world stage as the 22 year old broke the world-record in the men’s short program by a whole two point margin.

After performing a season’s best in the team event and helping USA secure their highest ever Team Tally in addition to a silver medal, Chen shattered the record books with a 113.97 in the men’s short program with a near flawless routine that featured two quad jumps.

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This score propelled Chen six points ahead of second place finisher, Yuma Kagiyama of Japan, while also besting the previous world-record of 111.82, which was set by reigning champion Yuzuru Hanyu in 2020.

“It means a lot to have the opportunity to come back to an Olympics and have the opportunity to do short programs and have both go as well as I could have hoped,” Chen said. “It means a lot to me and I’m very happy.”

Following last night’s performance, Chen possesses a strong first place lead with 113.87 points while Japan’s Yuma Kagiyama is currently in second with 108.12 points and Shoma Uno, also from Japan, is in third with 105.90 points.

The men’s competition will conclude with the free skate on Wednesday, Feb. 9, beginning at 8:30 p.m. ET.