Figure skater Nathan Chen, luger Summer Britcher and the United States’ luge team relay foursome have been named as the recipients of the Best of January honours by the United States Olympic Committee ©Team USA

Figure skater Nathan Chen, luger Summer Britcher and the United States’ luge team relay foursome have been named as the recipients of the Best of January honours by the United States Olympic Committee. 

The announcement comes as part of the Team USA Awards, which recognise the outstanding achievements of US athletes year-round.

Chen won his second consecutive national title in San Jose last month, defeating the field by more than 40 points.

The 18-year-old scored more than 100 points in his short programme and exceeded 210 points in his free skate, hitting five quads, including two in combination.

His victory capped a perfect Grand Prix tour, which saw him crowned the overall champion.

Chen will represent the US for the first time at a Winter Olympic Games when he competes in Pyeongchang later this month.

Two-time Olympian Britcher was recognised after becoming her country’s all-time singles victory leader.

In Norwegian town Lillehammer, Britcher triumphed in the traditional two-heat singles race for her fourth career win and then followed it up with her fifth title the next day in the one-heat sprint race.

She also raced the lead leg of the team relay that took silver in Königssee in Germany.

In all, the 23-year-old collected three medals in January, finishing third in the overall World Cup standings.

Nathan Chen won his second consecutive national figure skating title in San Jose ©Getty Images
Nathan Chen won his second consecutive national figure skating title in San Jose ©Getty Images

Joining Britcher in the luge team relay foursome was fellow singles racer Tucker West and the doubles pairing of Matt Mortensen and Jayson Terdiman.

The runners-up finish secured their first medal on the World Cup tour.

All four athletes will represent the US in their second Olympic Games at Pyeongchang 2018.

In addition to Dow, the presenting sponsor, the Team USA Awards are supported by DICK’S Sporting Goods and United States Gypsum Corporation.

The monthly awards are due to resume in April, following the Pyeongchang 2018 Winter Olympics and Paralympics.

Each National Governing Body (NGB) may nominate one female, one male and one team per discipline. 

An internal nominating committee selects five nominees from both the male and female categories, and three from the team category to advance to the voting round. 

Votes received from NGB representatives and select members of the media account for 50 per cent of the final tally.

The other half is determined by online fan voting. 

The Pyeongchang 2018 Winter Olympics are scheduled to take place from February 9 to 25.