Feb 3, 2026 - News

A Pasadena native heads to the Winter Olympics

Shafaq Patel

Spencer Akira Howe and Emily Chan of Team United States train at Milano Ice Skating Arena ahead of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics. Photo: Matthew Stockman/Getty Images

It's Winter Olympics time — and there's a local to root for.

State of the rink: Emily Chan, born in Pasadena, Texas, is competing for Team USA in the pairs competition with partner Spencer Akira Howe.

Zoom in: It's Chan's first time qualifying for the Olympics. She and Howe have skated as a pair for seven years.

The intrigue: Their road to qualifying was a rollercoaster. After some difficulties in the U.S. Nationals short program, the duo championed their way to clinch an Olympic spot. It's a "dream," Chan says.

Fun fact: Chan, 28, has a background in gymnastics and dances to improve her figure skating.

"I like performing for people and watching them enjoy my dancing," Chan said to the Houston Chronicle in 2011.

Zoom out: The U.S. is sending its largest-ever Winter Olympics team to Italy, with 232 athletes.

What's next: The figure skating pairs short program is Sunday, Feb. 15. The pairs free skate is Monday, Feb. 16.

Meet Team USA

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A Pasadena native heads to the Winter Olympics

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