St. Louis, Missouri — Nathan Chen, the acclaimed Olympic champion from Salt Lake City, and his esteemed coach, Rafael Arutyunyan, are set to be inducted into the U.S. Figure Skating Hall of Fame next month during the national championships, which coincide with the Hall's 50th anniversary. This ceremony will not only celebrate the remarkable achievements of Chen and Arutyunyan but also honor the contributions of other influential figures in the sport, including Joseph Inman, who played a crucial role in reforming the scoring system following the judging scandal at the 2002 Salt Lake Olympics. At just 26 years old, Chen has immensely impacted men's figure skating, particularly through his innovative use of quadruple jumps. He stands out as the first skater to land five different types of quads in competitive events, and his record score of 335.30, achieved during the 2019 Grand Prix Final, remains unprecedented. Throughout his career, Chen secured three world titles and six consecutive U.S. national titles, but his legacy is most profoundly tied to his Olympic performances. While Chen initially struggled at the 2018 Pyeongchang Games — where he helped the U.S. secure a team bronze — he rebounded magnificently in 2022, leading the U.S. team to gold at the Beijing Games and winning the men's individual competition. Following his Olympic triumph, Chen transitioned away from competitive skating, though he continues to perform in exhibition events. He graduated from Yale University last year and is currently pursuing a medical career, while also contributing to the planning of the 2034 Utah Olympics as a member of the Athlete Advisory Committee. Richard Dalley, the chair of the Hall of Fame’s nominating committee, remarked on the significance of the Class of 2026 being hailed as the 'golden class' of inductees, highlighting the profound impact of this distinguished group on the sport's history. Coach Rafael Arutyunyan, originally from the former Soviet Union, has been instrumental in the success of numerous American figure skaters, including legends like Michelle Kwan and Adam Rippon. His journey from coaching the Russian national team to becoming a U.S. citizen and a sought-after coach epitomizes his commitment to the sport. Joseph Inman's contributions as a judge and technical controller have also shaped modern figure skating, ensuring greater objectivity and fairness in the judging process, which remains vital in preserving the sport's integrity.