Nathan Chen, the celebrated figure skater and reigning Olympic champion, continues to impress both on and off the ice as he embarks on a new journey in medicine. Four years after clinching gold at the Beijing Olympics, Chen has not participated in competitive skating since February 2022, where he famously executed five quadruple jumps, securing his place as one of the greatest in the sport.
As he prepares for the looming Milano Cortina Olympics, Chen has decided against defending his Olympic title, choosing instead to focus on his burgeoning career in medicine. “I’ve already accomplished enough in skating that I’m quite satisfied with my career,” Chen stated, revealing his desire to explore new avenues.
Despite stepping away from competitive figure skating, Chen remains active in the sport. He has partnered with fellow athlete Jean-Luc Baker to launch “Your True Step,” a series of skating seminars designed to connect with younger athletes while keeping the spirit of competition alive. Their initiative has allowed them to travel to various rinks across the country, where Chen shares his wealth of knowledge and experience.
Beyond skating, Chen has been diligently pursuing a medical degree, with interests leaning toward cardiology and oncology, particularly in genetics. He humorously noted that taking the medical college admission test was even more daunting than competing in the Olympics, reflecting his commitment to making a meaningful impact in his next phase of life.
While Chen recognizes the physical demands of figure skating, he reflects positively on the evolution of the sport, acknowledging the ASU’s rise and the achievements of younger competitors like Ilia Malinin, who became the first to land a quadruple axel in competition.
Despite not competing, Chen is enthusiastic about witnessing a new generation of U.S. skaters shine on the world stage, as evidenced by the U.S. success at recent championships, including Alysa Liu’s triumphant return and team victories. Chen’s departure from the ice may mark the end of an era, but his mentorship and support for the sport symbolize a hopeful transition towards future achievements in figure skating.
As the U.S. skating scene enters what many believe to be a golden period, Chen’s legacy continues to influence and inspire, signaling a bright future both for him personally and for the sport he loves.