Karen Chen is an American figure skater. She is a two-time CS U.S. Classic bronze medalist (2016, 2017), the 2015 CS Golden Spin of Zagreb bronze medalist, the 2017 U.S. national champion, and a three-time U.S. national bronze medalist (2015, 2018, 2021). Chen competed at the 2018 Winter Olympics. She has also competed at seven ISU Championships, achieving her best result, fourth, at two World Championships (2017, 2021). She also won four medals on the ISU Junior Grand Prix series, including gold at the 2013 JGP Slovakia.
At the 2021 U.S. Championships, Chen was fourth. She placed third in the free skate, as a result, she earned the bronze medal, her third bronze at the U.S. Championships and her fifth medal overall.
Women Fitness President Ms. Namita Nayyar catches up with Karen Chen, an American figure skater and Winner of 2017 U.S. national championship, and a three-time U.S. national bronze medalist who talk about her workout, diet and her success story.
Namita Nayyar:
You began ice skating at the young age of four and have excelled in making it your career ever since. Walk us through your spectacular journey and tell us what drew you towards this sport?
Karen Chen:
Growing up I was such a shy kid, so my parents encouraged me to try new things. Skating was the only thing that stuck. I loved it so much, because when I was on the ice I felt free and all my “shy girl senses” melted away. My career has been full of ups and downs, but regardless, my passion for this sport was strong, so I was willing to make all the sacrifices necessary to accomplish my goals.
Namita Nayyar:
“I am proud of myself for the last competition of the season. Ending on a high note is exactly what I wanted to do.” Having won several awards and championships, 5 years from now, what are your goals?
Karen Chen:
This past season is one that I felt the most accomplished; I would even go so far and say it would tie or even beat the year I made the Olympic Team or won my National title. The reason is because I had such a rough season the year before (a stress fracture that took my out for the whole season) and that I decided to take on a full course load at Cornell University, so I knew I was pushing my limits and I wasn’t sure if I would be able to manage it well.
Since I proved to myself that I am capable to fighting through challenges, I know that these next 5 years are going to be full of surprises. Although I prefer setting short term goals, without a doubt, making the Olympic Team again is on my list.
Namita Nayyar:
Introduce us to a day in your life. One morning ritual you love to follow.
Karen Chen:
I am a morning person. I really enjoy having a peaceful morning before starting my daily grind, whether it is for school or for skating. Every morning, as soon as I wake up, I make myself an almond milk latte to sip on as I do my skin
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This interview is exclusive and taken by Namita Nayyar President womenfitness.net and should not be reproduced, copied or hosted in part or full anywhere without an express permission.
All Written Content Copyright © 2021 Women Fitness
Namita Nayyar:
What exercises comprise your fitness regime or workout routine that you may like to share? Key essential to enhanced performance.
Karen Chen:
My strength and conditioning coach is in charge of giving me a workout card to follow and allowing me to make tweaks that I feel like would benefit me more. Most of the exercises involve just body weight or bands and usually target the core. As for my day off, I like to do some fun dance workouts and blogilates (Cassey Ho) videos on YouTube.
Namita Nayyar:
Do you take some special diet that you follow to remain healthy and physically fit? Five Foods you enjoy eating.
Karen Chen:
I believe in mindful eating and having a good relationship with food, so I don’t follow a specific diet. I enjoy avocado toasts, yogurt parfaits (Ggreek yogurt, fruit, and granola), green smoothies (frozen fruit with spinach), oatmeal, and hearty salads with chicken or tofu.
Namita Nayyar:
Having to train constantly in extreme weather conditions, how do you take care of your skin and hair?
Karen Chen:
Honestly, I don’t really have a skin or hair care regime nor do I stick to certain products. I tend to try different products when I run out. However, I do make sure that I wash my face with some type of cleanser once in the morning and once at night, followed by toner and moisturizer. The cold air in the rinks tend to leave my skin very dry, so I really make sure I moisturize.
Namita Nayyar:
Who has been your greatest influence and motivator in your success in the field of your career? Quote you live by.
Karen Chen:
Kristi Yamaguchi has been my biggest role model. Obviously she has some extraordinary accomplishments, but the main reason she is my idol is because of her generosity and kindness outside of the skating world. I’m so blessed to have her as my mentor and I remember her telling me to “skate dumb” like it was yesterday. I know that it’s such a short little phrase, but I’ve grown to understand that simplicity and efficiency is key.
Namita Nayyar:
The Tokyo Olympics 2020 have been delayed due to the pandemic situation, how do you feel about it? How are you training while staying at home?
Karen Chen:
It is very unfortunate that the 2020 Tokyo Olympics are delayed due to the pandemic, so I really feel for the athletes that had made the Olympic Team and were ready to bring it. I am lucky that the Winter Olympics don’t take place until 2022, so it doesn’t directly impact me and that I have time to sort everything out. However, I have been keeping up with my off ice training, such as pilates and yoga, to help keep my body feeling good and strong.
Namita Nayyar:
Advice and motivational words to the inspiring and upcoming athletes who all are your fans? Five tips to work upon their skills.
Karen Chen:
I believe in making mistakes and having a growth mind-set, because failing is normal and should not be feared. As for five tips regarding skating, I would say have fun, challenge yourself, work hard, make friends, and wear knee and butt pads!
Namita Nayyar:
You missed the last season of Grand Prix with a right foot stress fracture, but made a stunning comeback this year, what are your tips to cope up with such unforeseen situations?
Karen Chen:
I’ve had so many injuries throughout my career, some I came back strong, others it was a huge struggle, but regardless, what I learned was the strength of willpower and believing in myself. Because of all my past injuries, I’ve gathered a lot of self-doubt which not only impacted my self-esteem, but also my performance as an athlete.
Thus, regarding future unforeseen situations, I would remind myself that everything happens for a reason and that taking a step back to gain perspective can be empowering.
Namita Nayyar:
Share a few words about the website Womenfitness.net and message for our visitors?
Karen Chen:
I think that it’s important for women to support and inspire one another. Often times, especially with sports, women tend to get extremely competitive, but I think we should strive for that balance of being competitive while also showing support for one another.
Karen Chen social media presence
- Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/karebearsk8/
- Twitter : https://twitter.com/karebearsk8
This interview is exclusive and taken by Namita Nayyar President womenfitness.net and should not be reproduced, copied or hosted in part or full anywhere without an express permission.
All Written Content Copyright © 2021 Women Fitness