Nathan Chen Presses Pause on Figure Skating, Will Miss Milano Cortina 2026 to Pursue a Career in Medicine
Team USA’s Olympic champion in figure skating, Nathan Chen, has made a significant announcement that he will not defend his Olympic title at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Games. The 26-year-old athlete is choosing to redirect his focus towards medical school, seeking to help others in a new capacity.
While he isn’t officially retiring from skating, Chen believes now is the opportune moment to explore new paths in his evolving career. He reached the pinnacle of his sport just three years ago, capturing an individual gold medal and contributing to the United States’ team title victories. Chen reflected on this decision, stating, “I just want to open the doors to kind of see what’s the best sort of approach for me.”
Having already achieved immense success as a three-time Olympic medallist and three-time World champion, Chen is now embracing the application process for medical schools. Inspired by a genuine desire to help people, he is considering pursuing specializations in cardiology or oncology.
“The basis of being a doctor, I think, is to help people,” Chen expressed. He emphasized that his experience within his nonprofit organization, Youth Taking Strides (YTS), has ignited a newfound interest in community service, something he felt was somewhat lacking during his athletic career.
Dubbed the “Quad King” for his remarkable quadruple jumps, Chen is stepping back from competition but remains supportive of Team USA’s aspirations to clinch gold in future events.
As he transitions from the ice to the lecture hall, Nathan Chen invites curiosity about his journey ahead. His motivations reflect a profound personal growth, leading him to blend his talents with a commitment to positively impact the lives of others.
With his impressive track record and humanitarian vision, Chen’s next chapter in medicine holds immense potential. As one of figure skating’s most celebrated athletes, his decision illuminates a unique perspective on career evolution.
