Overview

• Chen confirmed on August 8 that he will not defend his 2022 Olympic figure skating title at the 2026 Winter Games in Milano Cortina.
• The 26-year-old Olympic champion has not competed since his Beijing victories and holds three world titles along with six U.S. national championships.
• He plans to begin medical school with a focus on cardiology or oncology and genetic research after completing his Yale degree and post-baccalaureate work.
• Despite stepping back from competition, Chen has maintained involvement in the sport through youth skating camps and exhibition performances.
• With Chen absent, 20-year-old Ilia Malinin—back-to-back world champion and the first skater to land a quadruple axel in competition—emerges as the leading contender for 2026 gold.