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Here's why Nathan Chen won't be at the 2026 Winter Olympics
Nathan Chen will focus on medical school applications and preparation, pursuing cardiology or oncology and leaving competitive skating after winning two Olympic golds.
After graduating from Yale, Nathan Chen told the Los Angeles Times in August 2025 that he will pursue medicine and has begun applying to medical schools, including taking the MCAT.
Having taken the MCAT, Nathan Chen has graduated from Yale and expressed interest in cardiology and oncology, aiming to pursue medicine.
As a two-time gold medalist, the skater landed five quadruple jumps at the 2022 Winter Olympics, becoming the first to win two golds in one Games after helping the U.S. Olympic figure skating team.
Chen framed the choice around service, saying 'The basis of being a doctor, I think, is to help people,' and told The Times he is 'quite satisfied with my career' and wants to 'open doors' beyond skating.
For the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy, Nathan Chen confirmed he will not defend his title and plans to attend whichever medical school wants him.