Key Takeaways:
- Andrew Torgashev, a 24-year-old figure skater, is hoping to make Team USA for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan.
- Torgashev is the son of competitive skaters Ilona Melnichenko and Artem Torgashev, who coached him until he was 16.
- He has already achieved success in his career, including a silver medal at the U.S. Championships in 2025 and a bronze medal at the 2024 Grand Prix de France.
- Torgashev’s training routine includes morning skating sessions, high-intensity practice, coaching, and gym workouts.
- He emphasizes the importance of enjoying the process and surrounding oneself with positivity and support to achieve success.
Introduction to Andrew Torgashev
Tuesday marks just one month until the Winter Olympics in Milan are underway, and there’s one local Olympic hopeful who is hoping to make Team USA, and his name is Andrew Torgashev. The 24-year-old figure skater is feeling a mix of emotions as he prepares for the biggest competition of his life. "Excited, nervous, a bit overwhelmed," is how he describes his current state. With a nervous, excited air, he shares his thoughts on his training and preparation, "I’m training hard right now and doing the right things. Yeah, it’s all about staying consistent and at the end of the day, showing up to the event and going there to compete for a spot."
Torgashev’s Background and Family
Torgashev is the son of competitive skaters Ilona Melnichenko and Artem Torgashev of the Soviet Union. They coached him until the age of 16 at the rink in Coral Springs, the city he’s from. While his parents never made it to the Olympics, Torgashev is hoping to follow in their footsteps and make a name for himself in the figure skating world. He acknowledges the impact his parents have had on his career, saying, "They were great in their time, and they’re sharing that knowledge and love with me, and I plan to continue passing on to the future generations." Torgashev’s family has been instrumental in his development as a skater, and he is grateful for the support and guidance they have provided.
Torgashev’s Career and Achievements
Torgashev has already achieved significant success in his career, including a silver medal at the U.S. Championships in 2025 and a bronze medal at the 2024 Grand Prix de France. These accomplishments have given him the confidence and motivation to pursue his dream of representing Team USA at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan. He recalls watching Evan Lysacek win Olympic Gold in 2010 and being inspired to become a part of the U.S. Olympic Team. Torgashev believes that being part of the U.S. Olympic Team is a great honor and a achievement that will stay with him for the rest of his life.
Torgashev’s Training and Preparation
Torgashev’s training routine is rigorous and demanding. He starts every morning with skating skills, working on edge work for 45 minutes. After a break, he has a high-intensity session where he practices his jumps, which he finds quite difficult. He also coaches for an hour or two and then heads to the gym for a workout. Torgashev’s dedication to his training is evident in his daily routine, and he is focused on doing everything he can to prepare for the Olympics. In December, he returned home for the first time in two years to perform at a show at the Florida Panthers Ice Den. This was an opportunity for him to take a break from the competitive aspect of skating and focus on the joy of performing.
Torgashev’s Hometown and Favorite Spots
During his visit home, Torgashev had the chance to revisit some of his favorite hometown spots. He mentioned stopping at Moe’s for food, driving by his old house and school, and visiting Deerfield Beach, where he used to hang out. These nostalgic moments reminded him of where he came from and how far he has come in his journey as a skater. Torgashev’s connection to his hometown and his roots is strong, and he appreciates the support and encouragement he has received from his community.
Advice for Young Olympic Hopefuls
Torgashev’s advice for other young Olympic hopefuls is to enjoy the process and surround themselves with positivity and support. He believes that with the right mindset and people around him, great things can happen. Torgashev’s philosophy is centered around finding joy and passion in what he does, and he encourages others to do the same. As he prepares for the Olympics, Torgashev is focused on staying positive and motivated, and he hopes to inspire others to do the same.
The Road to the Olympics
With only a few weeks left until the Olympics, Torgashev is focused on making the most of his training and preparation. There are three spots available on Team USA’s Figure Skating Team, and Torgashev is determined to earn one of them. Last year, he ranked second at the U.S. Figure Skating Championships, and he is hoping to build on that success to make the podium and be named to represent the U.S. in Milan. Torgashev’s journey to the Olympics is not just about him; it’s about the people who have supported him along the way, including his family, coaches, and community. As he takes the ice in Milan, Torgashev will be carrying the hopes and dreams of those who have believed in him, and he is determined to make them proud.
