Rippon preparing to begin his short program. | Photo: YouTube
Just when it seemed the world couldn’t love Adam Rippon anymore, the figure skater gave a superb performance at the PyeongChang 2018 Winter Olympics yesterday (15 February).
It was the start of the men’s bid for solo medals in figure skating. Athletes from all over the world performed their short programs, typically coming in just under three minutes.
Japan’s Yuzuru Hanyu soared to first place with an astonishing 111 points.
Rippon came in seventh place with 87.95 points, the highest spot for a US skater after Nathan Chen’s disappointing performance. Now Rippon’s vying for his second medal of these games.
Following the short program, an interviewer spoke to Rippon. NBC’s Andrea Joyce asked him: ‘You’re 28 years old, skating the best you ever have in your life. How do you explain that to people?’
His reply instantly become iconic.
‘I can’t explain witchcraft.’
“I can’t explain witchcraft.” – #AdamRippon pic.twitter.com/ucxLrpDFyG
— Amanda Price (@amandaruthprice) February 16, 2018
Slay all day
Twitter went wild for the response.
They quickly made their affection known, explaining it as a ‘fab answer’ and a ‘new mantra for life’.
I’m going to bed before something ruins “I can’t explain witchcraft.”
— Linda Holmes (@nprmonkeysee) February 16, 2018
ANDREA: You’re 28 years old skating the best of your life, how do you explain that?@Adaripp: I can’t explain witchcraft.
[extremely Amy Poehler voice] ah god, love him
— Katie “Lady Bird” Minard (@KatieMinard) February 16, 2018
“I can’t explain witchcraft…” is a fab answer to any question @Adaripp
— K (@Katelicte) February 16, 2018
“I can’t explain witchcraft” is my new go-to response for everything.
— Christine (@ChristineMRadio) February 16, 2018
Here’s his short program, when he performed it at Nationals right before the Olympics.
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