Palo Alto’s Zhou chosen for Olympics
Palo Alto’s Vincent Zhou was named to his first Olympic team Sunday, a day after winning bronze at the U.S. Figure Skating Championships at SAP Center in San Jose.
“It is my greatest honor to be representing the United States” at the Olympics, Zhou, 17, wrote on Twitter. “This is a truly surreal opportunity in the midst of the greatest realization of aspirations I have ever known. Thank you all.”
Also named to the team were two-time national champion Nathan Chen and, in a surprise, Adam Rippon. A U.S. Figure Skating committee chose the 2016 U.S. champ who was fourth at the national championships Saturday instead of second-place Ross Miner. The committee, which considers overall performance for the season, has made similar moves in the past.
“I’m really glad the selection committee looked at my body of work over the last two seasons,” said Rippon, 28, the oldest in the men’s field. “Four years ago I didn’t know if I wanted to continue skating. And a year ago I was sitting in a cast, so I’ve had my share of ups and downs but I’ve been very consistent and I’m very grateful for this opportunity.”
Rippon missed the national and world championships last year with a broken leg.
Chen, 18, has won every competition he’s entered this season and, with his repertoire of quadruple jumps — he did five on Saturday night in his free skate — has pushed the envelope on technical skills in skating. He will be among the favorites at the Olympics.
“This is another big step to the games,” he said. “More pressures, more, you know, media, all that. There’s more to come, but I’m so excited for it. This is exactly what I’ve wanted my entire life and I’m ready for it.”
Madison Hubbell and Zachary Donohue pulled an ice dancing upset to close the championships Sunday. Their seductive performance beat two-time defending champs Maia and Alex Shibutani. The Shibutanis are expected to be chosen for the Olympic team and contend for a medal in Pyeongchang.