Team USA figure skater Karen Chen is heading to the 2018 Winter Olympics this month in Pyeongchang! Since we last interviewed her in October 2016 as the NuGo Athlete of the Month, Karen has competed in many competitions. Her top achievements were winning the 2017 U.S. Championships, placing third at the 2018 U.S. Championships, and being chosen as part of Team USA.
Karen loves NuGo Slim Toasted Coconut. “I like NuGo bars not only because they taste amazing, but also because the bars are high in protein and fiber, while being low in sugar," said Karen. She usually has them in between her on ice practice session but also keeps a few extra in her bag just in case she needs an emergency snack.
We recently interviewed Karen to get the inside scoop on her training and what she is looking forward to most at the Olympics. Follow Karen’s Olympic Journey on Instagram.
What are you most excited about the Olympics?
I'm most excited about this whole experience. I'm just extremely grateful and proud that I've accomplished my dream. I can say I'm an Olympian and no one can take that away from me.
How has your training or diet changed as you prepare?
Honestly there hasn't been a huge drastic change or anything, but I've learned that consistency is everything. Eating as clean as possible while making sure I am consistent with my on ice training and off ice training is the key. Sure there will be days where I need to listen to my body and adjust accordingly, but overall staying very focused on my goals helps me get over those harder days.
What tips do you have for peak performance while traveling and dealing with jet lag and different routines and different locations?
Traveling is always hard. The adjustment is difficult and it's kind of exhausting. When traveling I always bring a travel sized pillow onto my flights and the first night at my destination I usually take melatonin to ensure I have a good night’s sleep. I also always pack my favorite snacks in case the food there is not something I'm used to eating.
What Olympian inspires you?
Kristi Yamaguchi is my biggest inspiration. It's not because she my mentor, or that she's an Olympian, but because she is truly such a wonderful and generous person. She always is finding ways to give back and help other people. She is more than a role model to me.
Do you have a word, mantra or routine that you say to yourself when you’re competing?
A lot of the times I'll just tell myself to fly on the ice. I've been making it practically a routine to tell my coach and myself, "I can do it! I can do it! I can do it!" right before I skate off to start my program.
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