Figure skating heavyweight Nathan Chen to forgo participation in the 2026 Winter Olympics
After a decade of dominance in the world of figure skating, Nathan Chen, the three-time world champion and two-time Olympic medalist, has hung up his skates to focus on a new challenge – medical school.
The 26-year-old, who graduated from Yale University last year with a degree in statistics and data science, is currently enrolled in a one-year post-baccalaureate pre-medical program at Goucher College. He is actively in the process of applying to medical schools after completing the MCAT exam.
Chen's decision to pursue a career in medicine was not made lightly. He has expressed a strong desire to help people, particularly in the fields of cardiology and oncology, with a special interest in genetics and cardio-oncology research. According to Chen, this shift towards medicine allows him to fulfill a role he didn't feel he could as an athlete.
While Chen's athletic career has been nothing short of iconic, with a world record combined score of 335.30 at the 2019 Grand Prix Final and six national titles, he has decided to take a break from skating to focus on his medical studies. This means he will miss the 2026 Winter Olympics, which will be hosted by Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo from February 6 to 22, 2026.
Despite the pause in his skating career, Chen remains active in other areas. He continues his nonprofit work, particularly with Youth Taking Strides, a organisation that supports youth skating and community involvement. He also engages in education outreach as an ambassador for medical research advocacy.
As Chen embarks on this new journey, he is exploring his options to find the best path forward. His ultimate goal is to become a physician with a potential specialization in cardiology or oncology, considering also cardiothoracic surgery but mindful of work-life balance concerns.
In summary, Nathan Chen, the Olympic gold medalist skater, is now focused on his medical studies. He is currently enrolled in a pre-med program at Goucher College and has completed the MCAT exam. Chen's motivation lies in his desire to help people through medicine, seeking fulfillment beyond athletics. He remains active in nonprofit work and education outreach, and is exploring his options for his future career in medicine.
- Nathan Chen, the three-time world champion figure skater and two-time Olympic medalist, is currently focusing on his new challenge - medical school.
- In his pursuit of a career in medicine, he has expressed a strong interest in specializing in cardiology, oncology, and genetics, with a potential focus on cardio-oncology research.
- Chen's decision to change careers was rooted in his desire to help people in a more direct way than he could as an athlete.
- While he has taken a break from skating to focus on his medical studies, he remains active in other areas, including his nonprofit work and education outreach as a medical research advocacy ambassador.
- As he prepares for his future career in medicine, Nathan Chen is mindful of work-life balance concerns and is exploring the best path forward to become a physician.