Nathan Chen
- Thread starter matmuh
- Start date
Oh no, Vaytsekhovskaya gave Raf another opportunity to tout to the world what a great and sought after coach he is, who's always right in the end... 
I wouldn't be so sure about that. Those interviews are Raf's ramblings translated from russian into english, so he could've just meant that Nathan has finished his semester, i.e. he's finished with school 'for now'. And just a few weeks ago Nathan didn't rule out returning to Yale before the Olympics, so...
Interesting that Raf has done some one-on-one off ice training with Nathan, although I already figured that they've probably done that (especially when he asked Kaitlin and Jean-Luc to delay their IG Live so he could work out). With only two people, it's easy to keep your distance and after all, Zakrajsek has done training sessions with whole groups of skaters.
I think it's weak, that she didn't ask Raf what exactly it is, that he wants to see improved in Nathan's skating. Instead we just got some vague, general drivel. But one thing seems clear (and comes as no surprise) he wants him to do even more quads. Probably chasing the dream of an all-quads program (+ 3A). 
And if anything, the brand new BV changes just gave him and Nathan even more incentive to go for the 4Lo again...
I wouldn't be so sure about that. Those interviews are Raf's ramblings translated from russian into english, so he could've just meant that Nathan has finished his semester, i.e. he's finished with school 'for now'. And just a few weeks ago Nathan didn't rule out returning to Yale before the Olympics, so...
Interesting that Raf has done some one-on-one off ice training with Nathan, although I already figured that they've probably done that (especially when he asked Kaitlin and Jean-Luc to delay their IG Live so he could work out). With only two people, it's easy to keep your distance and after all, Zakrajsek has done training sessions with whole groups of skaters.
I think it's weak, that she didn't ask Raf what exactly it is, that he wants to see improved in Nathan's skating. Instead we just got some vague, general drivel. But one thing seems clear (and comes as no surprise
) he wants him to do even more quads. Probably chasing the dream of an all-quads program (+ 3A). And if anything, the brand new BV changes just gave him and Nathan even more incentive to go for the 4Lo again...
Maybe Elena just misheard him when she was transcribing the interview from her recordings, or maybe Raf mispronounced something or mixed up the names of locations.
I was wondering about that when I read it. Hanna and Alex are in Dallas, and their coach just announced in IG their rink is going to open next week for several hour a day.
Could it be the she got the city name wrong, Denver instead of Dallas? Nathan said that he went to Colorado for a some time before he finally back in Cali.
But one thing seems clear (and comes as no surprise
Iirc, 4lo was on his plan for next season during one of his interviews last year.
Hope all the dancing class, training in parks or beaches would keep Nathan busy/engaged to some extent since school is over.
He's always talking about 4Lo every season. Honestly, if he weren't studying at Yale, he for sure would've brought it back already two seasons ago (And as we all know, he did attempt it, but had to let go of the idea for the duration of his stay at Yale. Plus, he was busy bringing back and stabilising 4S first).
He attempted 4Lo at JO two years ago so he must have been landing it in practice at the time. And he also mentioned it in the interview with Nick McCarvel.
https://youtu.be/21nxJePE7F8?t=664
He's probably landing it decently well in practice but just needs to build up the stamina for a 6 quad program.
https://youtu.be/21nxJePE7F8?t=664
He's probably landing it decently well in practice but just needs to build up the stamina for a 6 quad program.
I am aware of that, that's why I said he attempted to bring it back when he started Yale and that given the new rule changes, he now has even more incentive to go after it (since he was already set on doing that).
It's not just about stamina. I'm sure he could land it more or less consistently in competition, if he put in the practice time to stabilise it, as long as he only does at most 2 (maybe 3) other types of quads in the same program. And at the same time leaves out other demanding quads such as 4F and/or 4Lz.
But with its lower BV and given the fact that edge jumps are not his forte, it made more sense to focus on 4F and 4Lz instead. And, once he started thinking of upgrading the number of quads in his program from 4 to 5, bring back the easiest of the edge jumps first (Salchow).
Now, doing a 4Lo together with demanding quads such as 4F and 4Lz, and with many types of quads in general, all in one program... that's a different story. That doesn't only take strength and stamina, but I would assume also a lot of focus because of the high variety of types of quads.
Anyway, I'm more curious to see what Shae will come up with for him in the next season. I hope I'll like it. I really enjoyed her Porgy and Bess program for Radionova from a few seasons ago, do you think a similar style could work for a guy/someone like Nathan too? I'm curious what a 'male version' would look like.
- Joined
- Jul 27, 2003
I actually didn’t get the sense from this interview that Raf wants Nathan to do more quads, at least it’s not the only or most important focus, which I thought was refreshing. If it was just about the jumps I don’t think he would’ve said there are a lot of things he needs to work on. He even suggested dance classes which I’ve never heard him say before regarding Nathan, which makes me think he’s a lot more well-rounded than just a jump specialist.
For me it was the fact, that he (and Nathan apparently) thought that Nathan's second skate at Worlds was weaker than his first. That was pretty telling... because the one thing that was in fact 'weaker', was the number and quality of his quads and combos. What else could he have meant.
And no one said, that it's the only thing he wants to focus on, that's clearly not what he said in the interview. But it's surely one of the things. He's mentioned in so many interviews over the past two seasons, that he's not impressed with what Nathan's delivering on the technical i.e. jump side of things, because "he's already done that and more in the past" and he always seemed rather dissatisfied with the fact, that he wasn't moving forward jump-wise.
I don't think he was ever regarded as 'just a jump specialist'?
He's mentioned in the past (Nathan said this too), that he always made sure Nathan was exposed to many different styles of choreography in his programs, from a young age on. Even when Nathan wasn't initially comfortable with it. That way he'd have a chance to try things out, in order to find out what he really likes. Plus, he'd also have a repertoire of moves at his disposal, once he's older.
I think it was also said somewhere, that he cared about his spins too, at least on the level side of things (clear positions, getting in enough revolutions etc.).
And from what we've heard, not only from Raf himself but also his students, he also teaches them how to approach and manage a training regimen.
Sounds pretty well-rounded to me.
I agree with this. I think Nathan has mentioned in past interviews that Raf was the one who pushed him as a junior to try a variety of styles for his programs (made him go outside his comfort zone). Nathan also mentioned in a recent interview (it’s in my post from a page or two back) that he’s learned the art and beauty of figure skating from Raf. Probably more to Raf then the public image of a technical specialist (but, of course, there’s that, too).
- Joined
- Jul 3, 2018
Someone asked TeamRaf to clarify if Nathan is done for the semester or done with Yale in general, the reply the person got was: "Nathan is done with university until the Olympics." So Nathan will be able to train full time the next two seasons.
https://twitter.com/hideg_y/status/1260474756211650561?s=20
Honestly, depending on the global situation next season he could probably still juggle skating and school. Like if Yale classes are online only, or if most of the skating season is canceled.
Brezina described a little of Raf's skating philosphy in his interview with John Wilson
https://youtu.be/WIpXtJAQmFE?t=581
Brezina described a little of Raf's skating philosphy in his interview with John Wilson
https://youtu.be/WIpXtJAQmFE?t=581
This is exactly what I'm thinking, which is why I'm not getting excited yet.
He for sure is gonna return to Yale when it turns out, that next season is gonna be cancelled or cut short.
(He might be too late to matriculate then, though? But I'm also sure they would make an exception for him or just in general, based on the whole covid-19 situation, he might not be the only student with special circumstances)
I've also considered the possibility of online classes, which would be a nice middle ground. Keep him engaged and intellectually stimulated, but close to Raf, his choreographers and with a possibly bigger training load.
(Not as satisfying though, since he wouldn't have the social experience and environment of actually being at college)
I remembered reading that Harvard decided the school would be open for fall semester, with much of learning might be online. Yale would announce the decision in July. Even when all classes are all online, if there are GP series going on, it is still too much course loads for him as a full time student, since classes are going to be a lot harder than those of his sophomore year. Plus I read that some parents and students don’t like the concept of getting online education while paying the expensive Ivy tuition. Some are considering the gap year because of that.
I am sure he probably would take some online classes if he has the option not to do the 4 class/credit requirements for full time students. This is an unprecedented time, anything could happen.
I am very excited either way. At least hopefully we wouldn’t see a sick and sleep deprived Nathan throughout the first half of the season.
I am sure he probably would take some online classes if he has the option not to do the 4 class/credit requirements for full time students. This is an unprecedented time, anything could happen.
I am very excited either way. At least hopefully we wouldn’t see a sick and sleep deprived Nathan throughout the first half of the season.
Q+A with Team USA
https://twitter.com/USFigureSkating/status/1260698470580715522
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Figure Skating in Harlem Virtual Gala tonight beginning at 6:45pm ET.
Registration page: https://my.demio.com/ref/0erI8c3wHtK1zVuZ
https://twitter.com/USFigureSkating/status/1260698470580715522
---------------------------------------------------------
Figure Skating in Harlem Virtual Gala tonight beginning at 6:45pm ET.
Registration page: https://my.demio.com/ref/0erI8c3wHtK1zVuZ
He spoke for only a short time and introduced a group of graduating high schools seniors. But he looked good, wearing a black suit jacket and navy shirt w/ white polka dots. His hair was great, too!
https://youtu.be/mINuSSCXRRA
https://youtu.be/mINuSSCXRRA
Of all his recent appearances it was the shortest one, but probably took the longest time to get ready and 'doll himself up' for.
Happy Nathan Chen Day!
https://twitter.com/NathanChenJP/status/1261311353223966721
We knew it would happen, but this year's DOI has been canceled.
https://twitter.com/NathanChenJP/status/1261151521309290496
https://twitter.com/NathanChenJP/status/1261311353223966721
We knew it would happen, but this year's DOI has been canceled.
https://twitter.com/NathanChenJP/status/1261151521309290496
Another interview, but this time with a few different questions.
https://medium.com/@whartoninnovators/skating-on-ice-interview-with-nathan-chen-771438beab10
https://medium.com/@whartoninnovators/skating-on-ice-interview-with-nathan-chen-771438beab10
