Beijing 2022: Nathan Chen sets a new highest score of 113.97 in Men Short Program

Nathan Chen returns after four years of his disastrous Olympic debut to set a world record in the men’s short program in Beijing, holding a commanding lead after the first day of competition.

Much like he was in 2018, Chen is a favourite for gold at these Olympic Games, but this time there has been no sign of nerves or pressure. The 22-year-old had a nearly flawless performance — which included two quadruple jumps and a triple axel — and recorded the top score of the day at 113.97, also the highest short program score in figure skating history.

Even the normally stoic Chen couldn’t hide his emotions at the end of his routine as he gave an impassioned fist pump.

“I was elated,” Chen said in an interview on the NBC broadcast. “Last Olympics, both short programs didn’t go the way I wanted and to finally get the opportunity to skate the programs the way that I wanted — it feels really great. It means a lot.”