The 17-year-old figure skater just shattered records everywhere last night (January 20) at the 2017 U.S. Figure Skating Championships — including the high score for the short dance at nationals. He scored 106.39, demolishing Jeremy Abbott‘s score of 99.86 back in 2014.
“Throughout my skating career, nerves have always been there,” Nathan revealed about his nerves going into the performance. “It’s something that I’ve just tried to distract myself from and push that aside as much as I can.”
He adds, “At the same time, where I am now and where I’m pushing to go is what I’ve strived towards my whole life, and I don’t feel like that’s something I should be afraid of. It’s something that I’m really excited for, actually. It’ll bring more energy and more excitement to my skating versus pulling me down.”
According to USA Today, Nathan injured his hip during the exhibition following the medal ceremony and underwent left hip surgery on Wednesday (January 28) for an avulsion injury – when a piece of bone tears away from the main part of the bone.
While he’s expected to return to the ice, his recovery is expected to go beyond the Worlds competition in March.
Grant Hochstein, who finished fourth, will take Nathan‘s place.
“The international scene is so strong and it’s getting stronger every single year and I think that it is never a question of whether or not the U.S. ladies are capable of being on that podium; it’s more a question of when we’re going to step up to that challenge,” Ashley shared about the particularly competitive ladies competition.
She added, “This year is going to be about going out there and nailing those triple-triple combinations, nailing those technical marks, performing the hell out of those programs. That is what’s going to get us onto the world podium, and that is a lot to ask of one person, but I think we’re definitely capable of putting that out.”
The 2016 World Figure Skating Championships will be held from March 28th to April 3rd.
Ross Miner takes the ice during the Men’s Free Skate at the 2016 Prudential U.S. Figure Skating Championship on Sunday (January 24) at Xcel Energy Center in St Paul, Minn.
The 25-year-old skater competed against Nathan Chen, 16, who made history by landing four quadruple jumps, more than any American skater ever. Congrats to him!