Chen was a gold medal threat and was terrible. Fell down 3 times during his program. One of the other Americans Adam Rippon didn't fall at all. Yet when the scores came Nathan had 82 points and Rippoin 87. Top scores are over 110.
How is that possible?
From my understanding, you get more points if you attempt a more difficult move and fall short than if you play it safe with an easier move.
I could never figure it out. I remember watching Brian Boitano earn the gold medal falling all over the ice doing basically the same program as Brian Orser. The announcers said something like he had put his time in and the judges liked his artistry.
I'm not an expert when it comes to figure skating but I know falling a few times is probably not good.
Who cares? Both were totally outclassed by Hanyu.