Emily Chan

Quick Facts

• Specialty:  Pairs figure skating
• Parents are John and Mary Chan; has a younger brother named Alan
• Graduated valedictorian from Texas Online Preparatory School
• Previously competed as a singles skater, winning 2016 U.S. junior championship and 2015 U.S. novice championship
• Trained in Chinese modern dance and ballet; competed in rhythmic gymnastics from ages 7-14, winning state and regional championships
• Hobbies include traveling, trying new restaurants and cafes, making jewelry, cooking and baking
• Dreams of opening her own café one day

Biographical Information

Emily Chan discovered her love for figure skating at age 4 after attending a friend's birthday party. As a young athlete, she demonstrated exceptional versatility, competing in rhythmic gymnastics, where she won state and regional championships, while also training in Chinese modern dance and ballet. 

Chan's singles skating career showed steady progression through the competitive ranks, while also having success in juvenile pairs. Facing the decision of whether to continue in singles or transition to pairs, Chan chose to pursue pairs full-time. In 2019, Chan teamed up with Spencer Howe and relocated to train at the Skating Club of Boston in Norwood, Massachusetts.

The partnership quickly found success and continued to medal at several national and international competitions throughout the years including a fifth-place finish at the 2023 World Figure Skating Championships in Saitama.

However, their momentum was interrupted when Howe revealed he had been competing with a torn labrum throughout much of the 2022-23 season. His surgery and recovery process took longer than anticipated, forcing them to withdraw from their Grand Prix assignments for the 2023-24 season.

Their comeback attempt at the 2024 U.S. Figure Skating Championships was bittersweet, with Howe’s injury causing them to withdraw from some events. Despite their withdrawal, they were named to the American team for the 2024 World Figure Skating Championships in Montreal, finishing twelfth overall.

Chan brings not only her athletic abilities but also her compassion and desire to help others to the ice. She is pursuing a family and marriage counseling degree from Grand Canyon University, reflecting her commitment to supporting people through challenges. She also coaches young figure skaters at The Skating Club of Boston, sharing her knowledge and experience with the next generation.

World Championships Experience

• Most recent: 2024 – 12th (Pairs - Mixed)
• Years of participation: Pairs - Mixed 2023, 2024
• Top finish: 5th – 2023 (Pairs - Mixed)

Olympic Experience

• 1-time Olympian
• Olympic Games Milan 2026, 7th (Pairs - Mixed)