Nathan Chen, the reigning Olympic men’s figure skating champion and one of the sport’s most dazzling talents, has announced he will not defend his title at the 2026 Winter Games in Milano Cortina, Italy. The 26-year-old American, who famously soared to gold at the 2022 Beijing Olympics with a record-breaking performance, told the Los Angeles Times that he’s stepping away from competition to pursue a new dream: becoming a doctor.
“I just want to open doors to kind of see what's the best sort of approach for me,” Chen told the newspaper. “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.”
This decision, confirmed on August 9, 2025, marks a dramatic shift for a man who has dominated the ice for nearly a decade. Chen, known as the "Quad King" for his unparalleled mastery of quadruple jumps, hasn’t skated competitively since his triumphant Olympic run on February 10, 2022. That night in Beijing, he landed five clean quads, becoming the seventh American man—and the first since 2010—to win a singles gold medal in figure skating. He also helped Team USA clinch gold in the team event, cementing his legacy as one of the sport’s all-time greats.
Chen’s résumé sparkles with achievements: three world championships (2018, 2019, and 2021), six U.S. national titles, and a world record combined score of 335.30 at the 2019 Grand Prix Final in Turin. Yet for all his accolades, Chen says his heart now lies elsewhere. “The basis of being a doctor, I think, is to help people,” he explained. “I think that's something that I didn't necessarily feel as an athlete.”
Raised in Salt Lake City, Chen’s journey has always blended academic ambition with athletic excellence. He enrolled at Yale University in 2018, taking a leave of absence to train for the Beijing Games before returning in 2022 to complete his degree in statistics and data science. While at Yale, he immersed himself in the research lab at the Yale School of Medicine and even secured a research grant from the American Heart Association. His next chapter? Medical school, with an eye toward a career in cardiology or oncology, particularly exploring their relationship to genetics.
“I just want to open doors,” Chen reiterated to the Los Angeles Times, emphasizing his desire to find the best path forward. He’s not officially retired from skating—at least, not yet—but he’s adamant that his competitive days are behind him. “At this point in time in my life, I've already accomplished enough in skating that I'm quite satisfied with my career.”
Chen’s impact on figure skating goes far beyond medals and records. His technical innovation, especially his breathtaking quadruple jumps, earned him the nickname "Quad King" and inspired a new generation of skaters to push the boundaries of what’s possible on the ice. His performance in Beijing was widely hailed as one of the greatest in Olympic history, and his artistry and athleticism have left an indelible mark on the sport.
But Chen’s influence doesn’t end with competition. Over the past few years, he’s remained a visible presence in the skating world, appearing in exhibitions and taking on a leadership role at youth skating camps. His commitment to mentoring young athletes underscores his belief in giving back to the community that shaped him.
With Chen out of the running for Milano Cortina, the spotlight now shifts to a new American star: 20-year-old Ilia Malinin. Already a back-to-back world champion, Malinin is widely seen as the favorite to capture Olympic gold in 2026. His own technical prowess is nothing short of historic—at the 2022 US International Classic in Lake Placid, Malinin became the first skater ever to land a clean, fully rotated quadruple Axel in competition, a feat that sent shockwaves through the figure skating world.
Malinin’s rise signals a changing of the guard for Team USA. While Chen’s absence will surely be felt, the anticipation surrounding Malinin’s Olympic debut is palpable. Can the young phenom live up to the sky-high expectations and keep the gold medal in American hands? That’s the question animating fans and analysts alike as the countdown to Milano Cortina begins.
Chen’s departure also opens up broader conversations about athlete transitions and life after elite sports. His decision to pursue medicine—motivated by a desire to help others and build on his academic background—offers a compelling example of how Olympic champions can redefine success off the field of play. Chen’s work in medical research, particularly his interest in cardiology, oncology, and genetics, reflects a thoughtful approach to his next chapter.
“The basis of being a doctor, I think, is to help people,” Chen said, highlighting a sense of purpose that extends beyond personal achievement. It’s a sentiment that resonates with many athletes who, after years in the spotlight, seek new ways to make a difference in the world.
Of course, Chen’s legacy on the ice is secure. His world record at the 2019 Grand Prix Final in Turin—an astonishing 335.30 points—remains a benchmark for the sport. His six U.S. titles and trio of world championships are testament to his consistency and dominance. And his Olympic gold, won with a performance for the ages, will forever be etched in the annals of figure skating history.
For now, Chen’s focus is firmly on the future. He’s applying to medical school, weighing opportunities in cardiology and oncology, and continuing his involvement in research. While fans may miss seeing him compete, there’s little doubt that Chen will bring the same dedication, discipline, and passion to medicine that he brought to skating.
As the 2026 Winter Olympics approach, the figure skating world finds itself at a crossroads. With Nathan Chen moving on to new challenges and Ilia Malinin poised to take center stage, a new era is dawning for American men’s figure skating. The torch has been passed, but the excitement—and the legacy—endures.
Whether in the rink or the research lab, Nathan Chen’s journey is far from over. And as he trades his skates for a stethoscope, one thing’s for sure: he’ll keep inspiring, no matter where he goes.
