MILAN, Italy — As the world’s elite figure skaters take to the ice for the 2026 Winter Olympics, one prominent face is missing from the starting lineup. Nathan Chen, the reigning Olympic champion and three-time world titleholder, is in Italy this week, but he is not there to defend his crown.
The 26-year-old American legend, who made history at the Beijing 2022 Games as the first singles skater to win two gold medals (team and individual) at a single Olympics, has officially stepped away from competitive skating to focus on his academic and professional future.
From the Podium to the Press Box
While Chen is not competing, he remains a visible presence at the Milano-Cortina Games. He has transitioned into a media role, providing expert analysis and coverage for Yahoo Sports. His insights have already proven vital, particularly as he weighed in on recent judging discrepancies that have sparked debate in the ice dance events.
Chen’s decision to bypass the 2026 Games was not a sudden one. In August 2025, he confirmed he would not seek a second individual gold medal, citing his commitment to medical school. A graduate of Yale University, Chen has long balanced his rigorous training schedule with high-level academics, and he is now prioritizing his path toward becoming a physician.
A Legacy Unmatched in Men’s Skating
Though he has not officially used the word “retirement” in every context, Chen’s competitive hiatus marks the end of an era. Known as the “Quad King,” Chen redefined the technical boundaries of the sport. His career highlights include:
- Historic Gold: Winning the 2022 Olympic men’s singles title by more than 22 points.
- Technical Pioneer: The first skater to land five different types of quadruple jumps in a single competition.
- World Dominance: Three consecutive World Championship titles (2018, 2019, 2021).
- Record Holder: He still holds the all-time world record score of 335.30, set at the 2019 Grand Prix Final.
Induction into the Hall of Fame
In recognition of his transformative impact on the sport, Chen was recently inducted into the U.S. Figure Skating Hall of Fame in December 2025. He remains the first Asian American man to win U.S., World, and Olympic titles in single skating.
While fans in Milan may miss his explosive jumps and artistry on the ice, Chen’s presence as a commentator ensures that his influence continues to shape the sport. For now, the “Quad King” is content watching a new generation of skaters, including American star Ilia Malinin, attempt to chase the records he left behind.
Updated: February 13, 2026, 10:45 AM ET.