Winter Olympics 2022 – Nathan Chen on Michelle Kwan and why 'having an athlete that looks like you gives you hope’

Newly-crowned Olympic champion Nathan Chen has opened up about the “power of representation” following his victory in the figure skating. The American grew up in Salt Lake City, Utah, with the 22-year-old’s parents both Chinese immigrants.

Ad/> Chen said it “means the world” to win gold in Beijing, the city where his mother was born, and he also thanked retired figure skater Michelle Kwan for helping pave his road to glory. /> Beijing 2022Beijing Today Day 7 — Scenes in the snowboarding as commentators go wild6 HOURS AGO “For me growing up in Salt Lake City and having a face like Michelle Kwan was really inspirational,” Chen said.

“And I know that having athletes that look like you certainly gives you the hope that you can do the same, and Michelle Kwan certainly was that for me. Kwan is a two-time Olympic medallist and five-time world champion, winning silver at 1998 Nagano before claiming bronze at 2002 Salt Lake City.

Chen said he hopes to emulate Kwan in terms of proving to be an inspiration for the next generation. 'It's a whirlwind, I'm so happy' — Chen reacts to gold and magical routine Chen wins figure skating gold after Hanyu falls attempting quad axel Watch unforgettable moment Chen seals gold with ‘special’ performance to Rocket Man /> He added: “If I can hopefully do something similar — of course I’ll never really reach Michelle Kwan stature, but just to be able to have someone like that when I was growing up was really powerful and that goes back to the power of representation right now.” Per NBC, Kwan said in a message: “I was so touched to hear that from Nathan.” Chen won gold after breaking the world record in the opening event before landing all five quad jumps in his routine to the songs of Elton John.