USA Olympic Icon Shockingly Leaves Sport for Unexpected Career Ahead of Next Games

Nathan Chen's Transition from Figure Skating to Medicine

Nathan Chen, the 2022 Winter Olympics gold medalist in men's figure skating, has made a significant decision to step away from competitive skating. At 26 years old, he has confirmed that while he hasn’t officially retired, he is moving on from the sport and will not be defending his title at the next Winter Games in Italy.

In an interview with the Los Angeles Times, Chen expressed his desire to explore new opportunities and focus on personal growth. He mentioned that he is satisfied with his achievements in skating and feels it is time to pursue other interests. “I just want to open doors to kind of see what’s the best sort of approach for me,” he said. “And frankly, at this point in time in my life, I’ve already accomplished enough in skating that I’m quite satisfied with my career.”

Chen last competed in February 2022, when he delivered a remarkable performance by landing five clean quadruple jumps, securing the seventh American men’s singles gold medal in history. This achievement also marked the first time since 2010 that an American had won the title. Additionally, he contributed to the United States’ victory in the team event.

Throughout his career, Chen has earned three world championships and six U.S. titles. His journey began in Salt Lake City, where he enrolled at Yale University in 2018. However, he took a leave of absence to prepare for the Beijing Olympics. After the Games, he returned to Yale and completed his degree in statistics and data science.

While at Yale, Chen was actively involved in research, working in the lab at the Yale School of Medicine and receiving a research grant from the American Heart Association. These experiences have influenced his future plans. He has stated that he intends to attend medical school and pursue a career in cardiology or oncology, with a particular interest in how these fields relate to genetics.

Despite stepping back from competition, Chen has remained connected to the sport. He has participated in skating exhibitions and has been a mentor at youth skating camps. His presence continues to inspire the next generation of skaters.

With Chen’s departure from the competitive scene, the spotlight now turns to 20-year-old American skater Ilia Malinin, who is considered the favorite to win gold at the upcoming Winter Games in Milano Cortina. Malinin is a two-time world champion and made history at the US International Classic in Lake Placid in September 2022 by landing the first clean, fully rotated quadruple Axel in figure skating competition history.

As the figure skating community adjusts to this transition, Chen’s legacy remains strong. His accomplishments on the ice and his commitment to education and research highlight a well-rounded career that has left a lasting impact on the sport. His decision to pursue medicine represents a new chapter, one that reflects his dedication to both personal and professional growth.