Mirai Nagasu became the first American woman to land a triple axel in Olympic competition, helping Team USA win its second straight bronze medal in the Olympic figure skating team event Monday.
“This is definitely history, or her story, whatever way you want to put it,” said Nagasu, whose triple axel was the best she’s ever done.
Nagasu scored a personal best of 137.43 points to finish second in the women’s free skate, earning nine points.
“I felt a lot of pressure,” Nagasu said, “because it’s a responsibility and a job and I owe it to my teammates as well.”
Canada won the team event with 73 points, followed by the Olympic Athletes from Russia team with 66 and Team USA with 62.
The women’s judging panel was impressed by Nagasu, saying that none of her jumps were under-rotated, including the all-important triple axel.
Only Japan’s Midori Ito and Mao Asada have also done the triple axel at the Olympic Games.
When Nagasu took the ice, she was so nervous hesitated to start as the clock ticked to 30 seconds.
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