One of the big questions entering this post-Olympic season was, "How would
Nathan Chen do juggling world-class skating with the academic rigors of an Ivy League college?"
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Well, like much like the first semester of his freshman year at Yale University, Chen received high marks. The reigning World champion and two-time U.S. titlist won both of his Grand Prix Series events this autumn and
repeated as the Grand Prix Final champion.
While he didn't throw down five or six quads like he did at the 2018 Olympics and Worlds, the 19-year-old from Salt Lake City was plenty effective and is the undisputed favorite to win his third consecutive U.S. title in the Motor City.
"I'm excited to be heading to Detroit to compete at the 2019 U.S. Championships," Chen said. "Rafael (Arutunian) and I have been able to continue working throughout the season both through FaceTime and in person, and with the work we've put in, I'm looking forward to hopefully defending my title. I hope to continue to build on what I did during the Grand Prix Series and improve my programs for the second half of the season."
Chen planned and executed an abbreviated number of quads this fall at his events. His artistry, however, hit new heights with programs designed by renowned choreographers. Shae-Lynn Bourne and Marie-France Dubreuil.
Should Chen happen to stumble, two of country's most proven skaters are ready to stake their claim to the prestigious title.
Jason Brown, the 2015 U.S. champion, and
Vincent Zhou, sixth at the Olympic Winter Games PyeongChang 2018, have the technical prowess and showmanship to become U.S. champion.
Brown, a 2014 Olympian, moved to Toronto last summer to reignite his career under coaches Brian Orser and Tracy Wilson, who guided Yuzuru Hanyu and Javier Fernandez to the Olympic podium in 2018. Brown
started his Grand Prix season slow but hit a high note at the final Grand Prix event of the season in France, where he won the short program and silver medal.
Zhou, who turned 18 in October, possesses an impressive technical arsenal and
has committed to portray a more mature skater this season. The Colorado-based skater is concentrating on all facets of his skating and recently spent a week in Toronto with choreographers Lori Nichol and Jeffrey Buttle.
"Emphasis has been placed in multiple spots and the hard work will hopefully manifest itself in results," Zhou said. "Tom Dickson has been helping me be more confident and free with my movement on and across the ice. In addition, watching Kurt Browning skate here in Toronto and having the opportunity to work with him a little has shown me what true love for the sport looks like. It's incredible, heartwarming and inspiring."
For more information and tickets, visit the event website here. Read the full championship competition preview in the January issue of SKATING magazine.
