One Jump at a Time

More about the book

At three years old, Nathan Chen discovered his passion for figure skating, but the journey to the top was fraught with challenges. As one of five children of Chinese immigrants, the odds were against him, with limited resources for coaching, rink time, and equipment. However, his mother, Hetty Wang, recognized his exceptional talent and became his coach, making significant sacrifices to help him succeed in a competitive environment. This dedication culminated in a historic moment at the 2022 Olympic Games in Beijing, where Chen, known as the "Quad King," won gold, becoming the first Asian-American man to achieve this honor in figure skating. In this heartfelt memoir, Chen shares his journey, revealing the struggles he faced along the way—from the disappointment of the 2018 Olympics to competing during a global pandemic and managing the intense demands of the sport. He offers an insider's perspective on the figure skating world and the Olympics, reflecting on the significance of competing in the same city his parents left and where his grandmother still lived. With poignant honesty, Chen's story highlights the unwavering support of his family and the power of persistence, grit, and passion. This memoir also includes 16 pages of color photographs, capturing key moments in his remarkable journey.