Mirai Nagasu becomes first American woman to land triple axel at Olympics

Mirai Nagasu of the USA jubilates after her performance in the ladies single team figure skating competition during the Pyeongchang 2018 Winter Olympics Monday at the Gangneung Oval in Gangneung, South Korea. Photo by Richard Ellis/UPI| License Photo

 

Feb. 11 (UPI) -- Figure skater Mirai Nagasu became the first American woman to land a triple axel at the Olympics on Monday in Gangneung, South Korea.

The 24-year-old pulled off the move during her free skate at the Gangnueung Ice Arena. She was the first of five women to perform the skate on the final day of competition for an Olympics team medal. It was her first jump in a 4.5 minute program.

Her skate helped put Team USA on the podium for a bronze medal in the mixed team final. Canada won the event and the Olympic Athletes from Russia finished with a silver medal.

Nagasu began her routine with the U.S. team sitting in third place. She completed the triple axel and several other rotations, wrapping up a smooth skate with an explosion of emotion.

Nagasu pumped her firsts before her final score of 137.53 was revealed.

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