Nathan Chen Revolutionized Men’s Skating with Quads and Backflips—Now Watches Next Gen Push Limits

Nathan Chen is observing the men’s Olympic figure skating competition from the stands in Milan. Having transformed the sport with his innovative skating, Chen’s presence off the ice offers a unique perspective on its evolution.

Though he has not officially retired, Chen last competed at the 2022 Winter Games where he secured his second Olympic gold medal in men’s singles. His current role involves engaging with sponsors and providing expert commentary for Utah’s 2034 Winter Games bid.

Revolutionizing Men’s Figure Skating

Chen’s technical mastery, especially his consistent execution of quadruple jumps, has reshaped men’s figure skating. Tara Lipinski, the 1998 Olympic gold medalist, credits Chen for making multiple quads a standard feature in men’s programs. “Nathan really revolutionized men’s skating,” Lipinski said, highlighting how Chen’s path enabled the next generation, like Ilia Malinin, to further elevate the sport.

Chen’s skill earned him the nickname “The Quad King” due to his prolific use of four-rotation jumps. While quad jumps appeared in earlier decades, they were once seen as novelty rather than essential elements. The 2002 Salt Lake City Olympics, marked by a judging scandal, introduced scoring reforms that gave quads greater competitive value—coinciding with Chen’s early inspiration after watching the Games as a child.

Impact on Competitive Standards

At the 2018 Olympics in PyeongChang, Chen escalated the technical difficulty by attempting six quads in his long program. Despite a poor short program, landing five quads helped him finish fifth overall. His dominant clean programs in 2022 set a precedent, forcing competitors to match his quad variety and precision.

Currently, Yulia Malinin, known as #QuadG0d, exemplifies Chen’s legacy by incorporating multiple quad types into his routines. Malinin trained with Chen before the 2022 Games and considers him a major influence. Expert commentator Johnny Weir notes Chen’s broader impact on men’s skating style and technical boundaries.

Chen acknowledges peers like Japan’s Yuzuru Hanyu and Shoma Uno, as well as American Vincent Zhou, for advancing quad jump standards. “My generation certainly left an impact,” Chen said, emphasizing the aggressive push for quadruple jumps.

Backflips and Progression of Technical Difficulty

Chen also contributed to reviving the backflip as a competitive element. Historically banned after Terry Kubicka performed it in 1976, the move reemerged when Chen executed a backflip in the 2022 Exhibition Gala, earning acclaim. France’s Adam Siao Him Fa popularized it further in 2024 competitions, leading the International Skating Union to lift the ban and label the backflip “very spectacular.”

Malinin became the first Olympic skater to receive scoring credit for a backflip, describing the crowd reaction as electric. This step signals a broader openness in technical innovation.

Looking Ahead: Quintuples and Artistic Balance

The next frontier could be the quintuple jump. Chen called it “the million dollar question,” noting the International Skating Union’s role in defining skating’s direction. If the federation favors technical difficulty, quints could soon appear, but an emphasis on artistry might slow this progression.

Physically, the feasibility of quints remains unknown. Chen points out the unpredictability by referencing the past disbelief surrounding the quad Axel, which was eventually achieved.

Beyond Competition: Chen’s New Endeavors

Since graduating from Yale with a statistics degree, Chen is preparing for medical school applications. He also co-founded Your True Step, a skating clinic aimed at nurturing young talent.

Additionally, Chen serves on the steering committee for Utah’s 2034 Winter Games bid. His ambassador role at the current Olympics aligns with his vision to inspire the next generation through the Olympic movement.

Nathan Chen’s groundbreaking influence extends far beyond his competitive years. His dedication and innovation have permanently altered men’s figure skating, setting benchmarks that will challenge athletes for years to come.