Nathan Chen is back in the spotlight at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, not as a competitor, but as a keen observer and commentator on the men’s figure skating scene. Having taken a step back from competitive skating since his outstanding performance at the 2022 Beijing Olympics, where he became the first male singles skater to win two gold medals in a single Olympics, Chen is now in Italy to assess the skills of the new generation of skaters.
Chen, who has not officially announced his retirement, emphasizes the unique perspective he gains from watching the competition from the stands. “Now, I get to see what it looks like on the other side,” he remarked. His presence in Milan is significant as he engages with sponsors and donors connected to the upcoming Salt Lake City 2034 Winter Games, sharing insights on the current skating talent.
The influence Chen has had on the sport remains palpable. His revolutionary approach to figure skating, particularly the introduction of multiple quadruple jumps in competitions, has changed the trajectory for skaters who follow. Tara Lipinski, a 1998 Olympic gold medalist, highlighted Chen’s impact, stating, “Without Nathan, we would not be seeing multiple quads in a performance all the time.” Current Team USA standout Ilia Malinin, nicknamed #QuadG0d, is regarded as a strong contender for gold in this year’s Olympics, partially due to the foundation laid by Chen’s performances.
The rise of the quad jump — once considered a rare spectacle — became a staple in high-level competitions largely due to Chen. While other skaters had previously attempted quads, it was during the Salt Lake City 2002 Olympics, following a scoring scandal that pushed for more metrics-based evaluations, that the quad came into serious competitive consideration. Chen remembers this pivotal moment, which sparked his own journey into skating as a young child.
During the 2018 Olympics in PyeongChang, Chen demonstrated remarkable grit and skill, overcoming earlier struggles in his performance. His unmatched execution of multiple quads at the 2022 Olympics solidified his place in history. Looking ahead, Malinin has continued to develop technical complexity in his routines, drawing inspiration from Chen’s dedication and work ethic.
The advancement of skating techniques has also rekindled interest in previously banned moves such as the backflip. Malinin recently became the first skater to be awarded points for a backflip at an Olympics, marking a significant evolution in the sport. Chen’s performance of a backflip during the 2022 Olympics revived excitement around the move, changing the perception of it among judges and fans alike.
While athletes like Malinin strive to push the boundaries of figure skating, raising the possibility of quintuple jumps, Chen reflects on the future of the sport and the limits of human capability. He has not yet ventured into working on a quint, focusing instead on other pursuits, including his recent graduation from Yale University and preparing for medical school applications. He has also co-founded a skating clinic aimed at nurturing young talents, which emphasizes his desire to inspire the next generation of Olympians.
As Chen engages in discussions about the future of the sport and his involvement in the Utah 2034 Games committee, it is clear that his legacy will continue to shape figure skating for years to come. The marks of his influence are likely to resonate through the performances of upcoming Olympians as they pursue excellence on the ice.