The Olympics’ decision to allow figure skating routines set to songs with lyrics was greeted as an important step toward modernizing the sport and broadening its appeal, and television audiences got their first peek late Thursday night during the men’s and pairs team events. While traditionalists may fear for the integrity of the sport, the relaxed rules will at least make for a livelier peanut gallery over the next two weeks.
The highly touted 18-year-old American skater Nathan Chen finished a disappointing fourth in his Olympics debut, but viewers were at least excited about his selection of Benjamin Clementine’s double-time waltz “Nemesis” for his routine.