After a world-record efficiency within the males’s quick program, the American Nathan Chen will try to take care of his lead and seize his first Olympic gold medal in determine skating’s particular person competitors, whereas his rival, Yuzuru Hanyu of Japan, has his eyes set on a comeback and a chunk of historical past by touchdown the primary quadruple axel in competitors.
Chen’s quick program rating, 113.97, has him comfortably forward of the sector heading into the free skate on Thursday morning in Beijing (Wednesday night time in america). The medal winners are decided by including scores collectively for the quick program and the free skate, also referred to as the lengthy program.
Right here’s the right way to watch.
What time does it start?
The free skate competitors will begin at 8:30 p.m. Japanese on Wednesday, or 9:30 a.m. on Thursday in Beijing.
How do I watch in america?
NBC will carry the occasion stay on tv and on Peacock, its streaming service.
What order will the skaters compete in?
The 24 skaters will carry out so as of their quick program rating, lowest to highest, so Chen can be final to skate. That may in all probability occur after midnight on the East Coast.
Who’re the skaters to look at?
Chen has dominated the game since his disappointing efficiency in 2018, when a depressing quick program left him far wanting the medal stand. Hanyu gained Olympic gold in 2014 and 2018, and was among the many high medal contenders heading into Monday’s quick program.
However Hanyu fell throughout his routine on Monday, ending in a disappointing eighth place, practically 19 factors behind Chen. Nonetheless, his efficiency within the free skate is without doubt one of the most extremely anticipated of the Olympics as he’s anticipated to strive a quadruple axel, a feat by no means landed in competitors.
Different medal contenders embrace a pair of Japanese skaters, Yuma Kagiyama and Shoma Uno, who positioned second and third within the quick program. Jason Brown, an American fan favourite, shouldn’t be far behind in sixth place.
