Nathan Chen Skips 2026 Olympics for Medical Career

Nathan Chen, the Olympic and world champion figure skater nicknamed the 'Quad King,' has announced he will not compete at the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics as he pursues a career in medicine. Chen, who last competed at the 2022 Beijing Games where he won both individual and team gold medals, is satisfied with his skating achievements and now aims to help people as a doctor, considering fields such as cardiology or oncology. He has described preparing for the MCAT as more challenging than Olympic competition. Although Chen has not officially retired, he remains involved in figure skating through seminars and nonprofit work. His absence is expected to impact Team USA's medal prospects and morale for the 2026 Games, shifting attention to younger skaters like Ilia Malinin. Team USA aims to uphold its figure skating legacy as a new generation prepares for the Olympics in Italy.