MILAN (AP) — A Milestone for Nathan Chen
A simple text message sent to Nathan Chen’s phone marked a significant milestone right after his impressive victory at the 2022 Beijing Olympics, where he claimed the long-sought gold medal with an outstanding free skate performance. “Congratulations! Welcome to our chat,” the message stated, to which Chen enthusiastically responded, “This is everything.”
The OGM Chain: A Unique Circle of Champions
The unexpected message introduced him to a highly exclusive circle of American athletes known as the “OGM chain,” an acronym for “only gold medalists.” This unique group comprises Olympic champions from the world of figure skating, stretching back to 90-year-old Tenley Albright and including Chen, who was just 22 at the time of his win.
Brian Boitano, the 1988 Olympic champion, shared his thoughts with The Associated Press, reflecting on how special it feels to be part of such an elite cohort. “You enter the chat and it’s like ‘Wow,’” he remarked, emphasizing the pride that comes with being among those who have reached the pinnacle of Olympic success.
The history of figure skating in the U.S. has been rich, dating back to 1920 when Theresa Weld secured the first medal with a bronze at the Antwerp Games, followed by Dick Button’s inaugural gold in 1948 at St. Moritz. Button, who famously defended his title in 1952, passed away last year at the age of 95, leaving behind a legacy as the only deceased American gold medalist in figure skating.
Connecting Through Shared Experiences
The OGM chain was initiated as a way for these champions to stay connected, with Boitano mentioning the impressive roster of past champions like Evan Lysacek, Carol Heiss, and Meryl Davis among others, resulting in a group that now includes twenty-four members. This number increased recently as five new champions joined following the team event at the Olympics, where Ilia Malinin played a crucial role in securing victory over Japan’s Yuma Kagiyama, thus facilitating the team’s gold medal defense that Chen had once contributed to.
“Welcome to the club, Ilia,” was the sentiment echoed for new members Alysa Liu, Amber Glenn, Ellie Kam, and Danny O’Shea. Madison Chock and Evan Bates, who were already part of the OGM chain for their performance in the 2022 team event, expanded the camaraderie.
Heiss, now 86, expressed her deep appreciation for the bond within this group, highlighting their ability to discuss the sport, their experiences, and their shared feelings on the U.S. team’s accomplishments. Reflecting on the collective memory they share after standing on the Olympic podium, she suggested they might not directly shape Team USA but certainly understand the emotions tied to Olympic success.
Support in Times of Tragedy
The chats often span more than triumphant moments. In a poignant instance, the group exchanged messages during a national tragedy when an American Airlines flight collided with a military helicopter, resulting in the loss of all aboard, many of whom were part of the skating community. The OGM chain became a vital support network where members consoled one another and eventually organized a benefit called “Legacy on Ice” to support the victims’ families, showcasing the solidarity and care that characterizes the figure skating community.
Boitano encapsulated the spirit of the group, stating, “Everybody came together. That’s what is so unique about our sport. We are all part of a family.”
