Two-time Olympic gold medalist Nathan Chen to miss 2026 Winter Games

Olympic gold medalist skater Nathan Chen has decided to skip the 2026 Winter Olympics, prioritising his studies over competing.

In an interview with Los Angeles Times, Nathan revealed that he is trying to get into medical school to pursue a career in medicine.

The 26-year-old said, “Frankly at this point in my life, I have already achieved enough in skating that I am quite satisfied with my career.”

The celebrated skater is currently applying to medical school after graduating from Yale last year. Chen said that he’s trying to explore his options to find the best path forward.

The American figure skater has become one of the biggest names of the skating sport over the last decade as he won two gold and a bronze medal at the Olympics. Chen’s decorated sporting resume also includes three world championships and six national titles.

Chen’s 2019 Grand Prix Final performance was the most iconic moment in his career as he still holds the world record for a combined score of 335.30 at the event.

Talking about his interest in medicine, “Quad King” revealed that he wants to become a cardiologist, quipping that giving the MCAT exam was tougher than participating in the Olympics.

The legendary skater said, “I want to become a doctor because the basis of it is to help people,” adding that he didn’t feel helpful towards anyone as an athlete.

The 2026 Winter Olympics will be hosted by two Italian cities, Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo from February 6 to 22, 2026.