Olympic figure skating duo Emily Chan and Spencer Howe are set to take the ice on Sunday, February 15, during the 2026 Winter Olympics at the Milano Ice Skating Arena. As the Olympics unfold, the pair’s performance is expected to capture the hearts of fans, reflecting the exhilarating highs and poignant lows common to this prestigious event.
Questions about their off-ice relationship have been swirling: Are Chan and Howe more than just skating partners? Insights from a February 9 feature in Town and Country suggest that their bond is strictly professional. The article highlights their impressive journey, noting that the 2023 U.S. silver medalists have been skating together since 2019, marking their Olympic debut in Milan. Due to their consistent performance, they were awarded a coveted spot in the Olympic pairs competition, with the gold medalist from the 2026 U.S. nationals, Alisa Efimova, paving the way for them.
Despite the absence of a romantic relationship, Chan and Howe’s chemistry is undeniable on the ice. They have faced significant challenges, including Howe’s ongoing shoulder issues throughout their partnership. In an interview with Boston.com, Howe shared the struggles he endured when they first teamed up, revealing that the shoulder injuries initially made him reconsider his skating career. Their first practice together was limited due to these health concerns, as he focused on becoming fit enough to train for pair elements.
The journey has been fraught with challenges, but their determination to succeed has paid off. “Our career has come with a lot of ups and downs,” he reflected in the same interview, adding that each accomplishment feels even more rewarding given the obstacles they’ve faced together.
Emily Chan’s journey to the Olympics also holds a personal narrative. She began skating at a birthday party and progressed to competing by the age of four. Her family has played a significant role in her development as an elite athlete, with her mother, Mary Chan, crafting every dress she has worn in competitions, including her Olympic costume.
As Emily Chan and Spencer Howe prepare for the competition, their story is one of resilience and dedication, showcasing the spirit of perseverance that defines the Olympic Games. Fans can look forward to seeing what this duo will bring to the ice, as their years of hard work and commitment come to fruition on one of the world’s biggest sporting stages.