US skater powers to gold

Nathan Chen had the final say in the men’s individual figure skating competition at the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics. He earned that privilege with his record-setting short program earlier in the week.

His closing statement Thursday could hardly have been more direct. He left no room for doubt as to who the best in the world is.

MORE: How many gold medals does USA have in Beijing?

The 22-year-old American powered his way to gold as the last competitor to complete his free skate. He closed the show with a smile and a few dance moves as Elton John’s “Rocket Man” played behind him.

What a Free Skate from Nathan Chen!

Nathan is AN OLYMPIC CHAMPION. #WinterOlympics pic.twitter.com/5dxRkPjLLW

— NBC Olympics (@NBCOlympics) February 10, 2022

Chen rocketed to the top of the standings after earning by far the highest score of the night, 16.7 points better than silver medalist Yuma Kagiyama of Japan. That gave him a 22.55-point victory. Shomo Uno of Japan claimed bronze.

Chen is the first American to win gold in men’s figure skating since Evan Lysacek in 2010 in Vancouver.

This article will be updated.