February 14, 2018 | Culture
There was magic in the air in Pyeongchang this weekend, and even some history making performances. Here are the top moments you may have missed.
Mirai Nagasu of the United States performs in the ladies single skating free skating in the Gangneung Ice Arena at the 2018 Winter Olympics in Gangneung, South Korea, Monday, Feb. 12, 2018. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)
It's not often that the triple axel is even attempted in international competition, let alone the Olympics, but Mirai Nagasu proved that hard work and determination pays off. The figure skater, a fan favorite who was denied Olympic gold in 2014 when Ashley Wagner leapfrogged her to join the American team in Sochi, became the first American woman to land a triple axel. The last American woman to attempt the triple axel was 2006 world champion Kimmie Meissner, who, along with Tonya Harding years earlier, failed to complete the difficult manuever at the Olympics.
A performance for the record books by Mirai Nagasu, complete with a celebration we'll remember for a long time. #BestOfUS #WinterOlympics https://t.co/NsNuy9F46h pic.twitter.com/ew8YKEYGzc
— NBC Olympics (@NBCOlympics) February 12, 2018
Adam Rippon of the United States reacts after his performance in the men's single skating free skating in the Gangneung Ice Arena at the 2018 Winter Olympics in Gangneung, South Korea, Monday, Feb. 12, 2018. (Paul Chiasson/The Canadian Press via AP)
The out-and-proud Olympic figure skater Adam Rippon made his debut with a rousing skate, which garnered him third place in the five-man field. The 28-year-old's clean program this weekend helped the American team nab a bronze in the competition. His performance was the most tweeted about moment of the figure skating program.
ADAM RIPPON. Because he slays. #WinterOlympics https://t.co/fmMl0C4Amf pic.twitter.com/fkG1KgiTb0
— NBC Olympics (@NBCOlympics) February 12, 2018
Alex Shibutani and Maia Shibutani of the United States perform in the ice dance free dance figure skating team event in the Gangneung Ice Arena at the 2018 Winter Olympics in Gangneung, South Korea, Monday, Feb. 12, 2018. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Alex and Maia Shibutani, also known as the "Shib Sibs," surprised the audience with their perfectly synced dance routine on the ice. The pair, who finished in eigth place at the Sochi games in 2014, finished second behind Canada, besting Russia in third.
How do @MaiaShibutani and @AlexShibutani celebrate a solid performance? With a fist pump. ???? #WinterOlympics #BestOfUS https://t.co/fmMl0C4Amf pic.twitter.com/ypsoDajqN4
— NBC Olympics (@NBCOlympics) February 11, 2018
