Nathan Chen is Already Looking Forward To The 2022 Winter Olympics

Nathan Chen might not have picked up that gold medal the entire world was hoping for at the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympics, but he’s still grateful for the experience.

Speaking with People, the reigning US National Champ opened up about his experience at the games and what’s next on his radar.

“I felt accomplished despite the short programs,” he shared. “And part of me was disappointed because I had laid down such a great long program and also such a terrible short program, they [wouldn’t] really match up and I [wouldn’t] be able to make that podium spot.”

However, he was happy he got to redeem himself, and for all the support along the way.

“I was just glad that at least I ended it like that,” Nathan adds. “All these notable figures were shouting me out, and a lot before even my long program, which to some degree even means more just knowing that I did two really bad performances and yet people still believe in me, they still support me, and having that support was really nice.”

“[I was] kind of glad people realize that I’m human, I make mistakes.”

And yes, the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing are in his sights — but first, a little break.

“I’m excited to get back [to the US], try and watch some [basketball] games,” he says. “Excited to go back to the beach back in California and just relax a little bit.”