Olympic champion Nathan Chen is set to be inducted into the U.S. Figure Skating Hall of Fame next month, the organization announced on December 2. Chen, a three-time world champion (2018, 2019, and 2021), will be honored alongside his longtime coach, Rafael Arutunian, for their contributions to the sport. Chen's induction comes at a pivotal moment, as he has not officially retired and continues to explore new paths, including pursuing medical school.
Chen's career is marked by numerous achievements, including becoming the first man to land five quadruple jumps in one program and perform five different quads in a single program. He holds the all-time score record in men's figure skating, with a score of 335.30 from the 2019 Grand Prix Final. Chen's Olympic success includes a gold medal in the men's singles event and a team gold at Beijing 2022, as well as a bronze medal at PyeongChang 2018. He also won six consecutive U.S. titles from 2016 to 2022 and gold at 11 of 12 international events leading up to Beijing 2022.
Chen's induction into the Hall of Fame is a testament to his exceptional talent and impact on the sport. His legacy will be celebrated during the 2026 U.S. Figure Skating Championships, where he will be honored in St. Louis, Missouri, on January 9. As Chen continues to explore new avenues, his contributions to figure skating remain a significant part of his athletic journey.