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After hours of uncertainty, Vincent Zhou has been selected to the U.S. Olympic team following his third place finish at the U.S. Figure Skating Championships Saturday night.
The 17 year old has been called the future of men’s figure skating.
The committee announced this morning that Zhou will be joined by first place finisher Nathan Chen, 18, and fourth place finisher Adam Rippon,28. 2nd place finisher Ross Miner was left off the team.
Rippon, the elder spokesman of the team, joked he was honored to have his two sons with him on the team.
“To be surrounded by such young talent is just awesome,” he said.
Zhou predicted in 2010 that he would make the Olympic team in 2018.
“It’s crazy how fast time flies and how things progress,” he said. “I’m super blessed.”
“It’s been exciting. I think we’re a really good team,” said Zhou after this morning’s announcement.
Christine Brennan was the first to report the decision this morning.
Breaking Olympic selection news: I have confirmed with three sources that the US men’s Olympic figure skating team will be Nathan Chen, Vincent Zhou and Adam Rippon. Ross Miner, 2nd place finisher at US Nationals, has been dropped. #USChamps18 @usatodaysports
— Christine Brennan (@cbrennansports) January 7, 2018
✅ QUALIFIED!
The results are in, welcome to the 2018 Olympic team: @nathanwchen, @Adaripp & @govincentzhou!
?: https://t.co/HApnHBxYEp pic.twitter.com/y7Lhwd33Cm— U.S. Olympic Team (@TeamUSA) January 7, 2018
“There’s a certain feeling that comes with saying you are an Olympian.” Palo Alto’s Vincent Zhou on being named to @TeamUSA for @pyeongchang2018 @nbcbayarea #RoadToPyeongChang pic.twitter.com/564j9ZcQIl
— Garvin Thomas (@garvinthomas) January 7, 2018
The Los Angeles Times reported this morning that either Zhou or Miner could be replaced by fourth place finisher Adam Ripon or even fifth place finisher Jason Brown. Both are considered more seasoned than both Miner and Zhou.
The 2018 Championships is the biggest factor weighed in making the decision, but the overall body of work during the season is also a factor.
Nathan Chen, who is undefeated this season and won his second US Championship Saturday, was all but guaranteed to be named to the Olympic team and never in doubt.
The women’s team was announced Saturday, less than 12 hours after the end of their competition. Mirai Nagasu and Karen Chen were both named, along with first place finisher Bradie Tennell.
RELATED: Nathan Chen Takes Men’s Figure Skating Championship. Zhou Third
The decision on the men’s team came just hours after the perpetual foreigner stereotype reared its ugly head.
San Jose born Vincent Zhou, who placed third at the US Men’s Figure Skating Championship Saturday, responded to a tweet questioning his citizenship.
I have a US issued passport, I was born in the States, and I’ve lived here all my life. Just thought I’d bring some facts into play here?? https://t.co/vyV7Wm6zZD
— Vincent Zhou (@govincentzhou) January 7, 2018
Zhou’s Tweet received more than 1,000 likes and 256 retweets in just eight hours.
Many left comments of support.
Vincent, that troll is an out-and-out racist (compared to Obama you got off easily.) You’re one of us, you skated great and you deserve to represent us at the Olys. Good luck!
wrote Naomi Paiss.
Omg. I’m so sorry you even have to deal with this level of ignorance on a night where you should be celebrating your wonderful achievement. Please don’t even let these trolls have a minute of your time and thoughts. Congrats on an AMAZING night!
said LA Dreamer
You embody everything America stands for. Our ancestors come from all parts of the world. We are a serendipitous mix of all cultures. Whoever thinks otherwise will be taught a lesson in 2018. #BlueWaveIsComing added Ina.
added Ina.
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