A North Texas figure skater is living her Olympic dream, stitched together by family, perseverance, and years of hard work. McKinney’s Emily Chan will represent Team USA in pairs figure skating at the Winter Olympics in Milan. She’ll compete alongside her pairs partner, Spencer Howe, in one o f the sport’s most demanding disciplines. Spencer Akira Howe and Emily Chan of Team United States train at Milano Ice Skating Arena ahead of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics on February 01, 2026 in Milan, Italy. Emily’s path to the Olympics started at a child’s birthday party at an ice rink. By age four, she was competing and her parents, Mary and John Chan, were soon immersed in the demanding life shared by families of elite athletes: long drives, meals in the car, and homework done between practices. Mary Chan also began making Emily’s skating dresses. Every competition dress Emily has ever skated in, including her Olympic costume, was handmade by her mother. “Sometimes one dress takes about 100 hours,” Mary Chan said. Image of Mary Chan, mother of Olympian Emily Chan, sewing. Like most elite athletes, Emily’s journey has been marked with ups and downs. There were championship moments and painful setbacks, even times she considered quitting the sport. “I told her whatever she decided, we would support her,” Mary said. Watch Live: Feb. 15 at 12:45 p.m. | Emily Chan competes in pairs short But Emily didn’t quit. Eight years ago, she teamed up with Spencer Howe, a partnership that would elevate both skaters and ultimately carry them to the Olympic stage. “He’s like a son to us,” John Chan said. Now, 24 years after that first time stepping onto the ice, Emily’s parents are preparing to watch her compete at the Olympics. “It feels like just yesterday,” Mary said. “And now she’s going to the Olympics. It’s unbelievable.” Image of Mary Chan, mother of Olympian Emily Chan, pointing to different pictures of Emily. Emily Chan and Spencer Howe will compete in the pairs short program on Sunday, February 15. The free skate is the next day. Her parents just want Emily to enjoy the moment. “I’ll probably cry,” John said. “Watching them skate on Olympic ice.” Emily Chan’s parents Mary and John Chan. And for Mary, the pride is already overwhelming. “I’m very, very grateful,” she said. “And very proud.” ...read more read less