How Nathan Chen Became an Artist

Nathan Chen, the American figure skating champion, is known for his jumping ability. Leading into the Olympics, he sought a more even balance of athleticism and artistry.PYEONGCHANG, South Korea — There is a saying in figure skating, full of truth and untruth, that jumpers can’t be artists and artists can’t be jumpers.

“When one side of your skating is so unbelievable, people can think the other side has fallen short,” said Scott Hamilton, the 1984 Olympic champion.

At 18, Nathan Chen of Salt Lake City has made himself into the lone American gold medal contender largely as a pioneering jumper, the first person to complete five jumps of four revolutions apiece — known as quads — in a single…