Nathan Chen Opts Out of 2026 Winter Olympics for Medical Career
Nathan Chen, the reigning men’s figure skating gold medalist, will not be competing in the 2026 Winter Olympics. The 26-year-old athlete shared his decision with the Los Angeles Times, revealing that he is choosing to focus on his future in medicine rather than returning to the competitive ice. After graduating from Yale University last year, Chen is currently applying to medical school.
In an interview, Chen expressed his desire to explore different avenues in his life. “I just want to open doors to kind of see what’s the best sort of approach for me,” he said. “And frankly, at this point in time in my life, I’ve already accomplished enough in skating that I’m quite satisfied with my career.”
Chen has made a significant mark on the world of figure skating over the past decade. He boasts two Olympic gold medals, as well as a bronze, three World Championships, and six national titles to his name. Notably, he holds the world record for the highest combined score of 335.30, achieved at the 2019 Grand Prix Final.
His career reached new heights at the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics. After a disappointing fifth-place finish in 2018, Chen came back to claim the gold medal with a stunning performance that not only displayed his remarkable skills but also included a world record in the short program.
Despite his absence from the upcoming Olympic Games, Chen’s influence in figure skating remains strong. Since the 2022 Olympics, often referred to as the “Quad King” for his remarkable ability to land quad jumps, Chen has redirected his focus towards his academic pursuits and community initiatives. He launched a series of skating seminars called Your True Step, collaborating with ice dancer Jean-Luc Baker and choreographer Sam Chouinard.
Reflecting on his transition from athletics to medicine, Chen admitted that preparing for the MCAT—a standardized test for medical school—has been more nerve-racking than his Olympic experiences. He mentioned an interest in specializing in cardiology or oncology, with a particular curiosity in cardiothoracic surgery. “The basis of being a doctor, I think, is to help people,” he noted. “I think that’s something that I didn’t necessarily feel as an athlete; I felt it was a little bit lacking, and I get a little bit of that sense doing Your True Step.”
While his decision to withdraw from competition means that the field will lack one of its strongest contenders, Team USA still has promising talent to look forward to in the men’s category. Ilia Malinin, a 20-year-old skater, is emerging as a favorite. Having previously accomplished the remarkable feat of landing a quad axel, Malinin has won the last two World Championships, including a striking performance showcasing six quad jumps.
The past 2025 World Championships also highlighted the strengths of Team USA, with Alysa Liu making an inspiring comeback to win the women’s competition. Additionally, the ice dancing duo of Madison Chock and Evan Bates secured their third consecutive title, demonstrating the depth of talent in American figure skating.
As the 2026 Winter Olympics near, Chen’s choice to step back signifies a new chapter in his life, one that prioritizes his academic ambitions and the desire to contribute to society in a different way. His career in figure skating has already left an indelible mark, and while he won’t be competing, his legacy will continue to inspire both current athletes and future generations.
