US Army Soldier Skates Pairs at Winter Olympics

Spencer Akira Howe balances military service and Olympic figure skating dreams.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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Spencer Akira Howe, a U.S. Army soldier, is making his Olympic debut in pairs figure skating at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina. Howe enlisted in the Army in 2024 and joined the World Class Athlete Program, which allows top-ranked soldier-athletes to compete internationally while serving their country. Despite the challenges of being off the ice for several months during basic training, Howe and his partner Emily Chan fought their way to the Olympics, overcoming a rocky start at the U.S. Figure Skating Championships to earn the second pairs spot on the U.S. Olympic team.

Why it matters

Howe's story highlights the unique path some athletes take to represent the United States, balancing military service and elite-level competition. As one of nine Team USA members also part of the Army's World Class Athlete Program, Howe's journey showcases the program's success in supporting soldier-athletes to perform on the international stage.

The details

After meeting a track and field runner in the World Class Athlete Program, Howe enlisted in the U.S. Army in October 2024 and began basic training four months later. This meant he was off the ice for nearly five months, which was a major challenge as he prepared for the Olympic season. However, Howe felt the experience gave him a 'soldier mindset' and a refreshed approach to the sport. Despite a rocky start at the U.S. Figure Skating Championships, Howe and Chan delivered a stellar free skate to earn the second pairs spot on the Olympic team.

  • Howe enlisted in the U.S. Army in October 2024.
  • Howe began basic training in February 2025.
  • Howe returned to the ice in late June 2025 after nearly five months off.
  • Howe and Chan won bronze at the 2025 Trialeti Trophy and placed fourth at 2025 Skate America.
  • Howe and Chan earned the second pairs spot on the 2026 U.S. Olympic team at the U.S. Figure Skating Championships.

The players

Spencer Akira Howe

A U.S. Army soldier who is making his Olympic debut in pairs figure skating at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina.

Emily Chan

Howe's pairs figure skating partner who, along with Howe, earned the second pairs spot on the 2026 U.S. Olympic team.

U.S. Army World Class Athlete Program (WCAP)

A program that allows top-ranked Soldier-athletes to perform at the international level while also serving their nation in the military.

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What they’re saying

“From a very young age, had that thought in me, and I guess that drive to want to serve my country in that kind of capacity as a soldier. As I grew up and moved up in the ranks of skating, you could say that became less and less of a reality.”

— Spencer Akira Howe (USA TODAY)

“It was a win-win.”

— Spencer Akira Howe (USA TODAY)

“I come with more of a soldier mindset, and I look at things as tasks that as a soldier I need to complete. Everything was so different, but for good reason.”

— Spencer Akira Howe (USA TODAY)

What’s next

Howe will compete in the pairs portion of the 2026 Winter Olympics on February 15-16. After the Games, he will return to his duties as a motor transport operator in the U.S. Army and continue pursuing his goal of becoming a military chaplain.

The takeaway

Spencer Akira Howe's journey to the 2026 Winter Olympics exemplifies the unique opportunities available to elite athlete-soldiers through the U.S. Army's World Class Athlete Program. His story highlights the challenges of balancing military service and Olympic dreams, but also the immense pride and fulfillment that can come from representing the United States in both capacities.