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Kiss and Cry Chronicles: The quad lutz is here to stay

By Sarabeth Pollock

GANGNEUNG, SOUTH KOREA - FEBRUARY 16: Vincent Zhou of the United States reacts after competing during the Men's Single Skating Short Program at Gangneung Ice Arena on February 16, 2018 in Gangneung, South Korea. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
GANGNEUNG, SOUTH KOREA - FEBRUARY 16: Vincent Zhou of the United States reacts after competing during the Men's Single Skating Short Program at Gangneung Ice Arena on February 16, 2018 in Gangneung, South Korea. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /
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The 2018 Winter Olympics figure skating competition has been fun to watch, but these Games have seen some historic moments.

The triple axel isn’t the only buzzworthy moment in Olympics figure skating. Vincent Zhou made Olympics history in the men’s short program when he landed the first quad lutz in Olympics competition. The quad lutz was one of many amazing moments coming out of the men’s short program.

He might be the youngest member of Team USA, but Vincent Zhou showed up his teammates in the short program when he landed the first quad lutz ever. Zhou skated early in the competition, so he spent a chunk of the time in the top three before the second half of the field of 30 men knocked him down to 12th place with an 84.53.

Earlier in the Games, Zhou’s teammate in the team competition landed a triple axel. Mirai Nagasu entered Team USA figure skating history by being the first United States woman, and only the third woman in Olympics history, to land the element during Olympics competition. Nagasu shone during the team free skate and became the name on everyone’s lips.

You might think that the youngest member of Team USA would get cocky with his big accomplishment, but 17-year-old Zhou is pretty grounded. He’s a quiet kind of guy who prefers existential pondering and music by A-Ha:

Clearly, staying grounded is something that Vincent Zhou takes very seriously.

Statement Necklaces

Adam Rippon had a riveting performance in the short program. He ended up in 1st place after his skate with a score of 87.95, and by the end of the event he was solidly in 7th place. Rippon’s exuberant reaction to his performance didn’t disappoint his fans, who have come to expect over the top reactions from him. He spent part of his time on the Kiss and Cry telling the NBC reporter that he likes her statement necklace while noting that he’s having a Meryl Streep moment:

https://twitter.com/NBCOlympics/status/964357132240936962

After the team event, Rippon noted that he’s the most fun on the ice and we can’t argue with that:

https://twitter.com/NBCOlympics/status/964343073789575168

Meanwhile, in between competitions Rippon is busy pondering the mysteries of life:

Words Of Wisdom

Gold medalist and skating legend Scott Hamilton had some words of encouragement for Nathan Chen after a rough night that saw Chen finish in 17th place:

Next: Best Olympian from each state

All three members of the Team USA squad qualified for the men’s free skate on February 16, and the medals for the men’s competition will be awarded immediately upon completion.

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