San Diego’s Olympic dreams are headed to Paris, as local athletes Spencer Akira Howe and Emily Chanon have officially secured their spots on the U.S. Olympic team. The pair, who have risen through the ranks with standout performances on the national stage, were named to the roster following a decisive selection process that capped months of intense competition and training. Their achievement not only marks a personal milestone, but also shines a spotlight on San Diego’s growing influence in developing world-class talent. NBC 7 San Diego takes a closer look at the journey that brought Howe and Chanon to this pivotal moment-and what their Olympic debut means for the region they call home.
How Spencer Akira Howe and Emily Chanon Clinched Their Spots on the U S Olympic Team
It wasn’t a single routine that sealed their fates, but a series of calculated performances that built an undeniable case for selection. Howe delivered a string of high-difficulty sets, particularly on rings and parallel bars, pairing clean landings with a calm, methodical presence that impressed selection officials. Chanon, meanwhile, used the spotlight to showcase her consistency on beam and floor, hitting set after set with minimal deductions and a visible command of the apparatus. Coaches and analysts pointed to their ability to handle pressure in the final trials session-where scores and body language were scrutinized equally-as the turning point that pushed them from contenders to confirmed Olympians.
Behind the scenes, the duo also checked off key criteria that have become non‑negotiable in modern Olympic selection. Their readiness extended beyond the score sheet, aligning with U.S. Gymnastics’ growing emphasis on durability, team value, and role flexibility:
- High-scoring potential on multiple events, strengthening overall team totals.
- Execution under pressure in the final rotation, with no major errors.
- Injury management and demonstrated resilience through the selection camp.
- Team fit, including the ability to plug into different lineups as needed.
| Athlete | Key Event | Defining Moment |
|---|---|---|
| Spencer Akira Howe | Rings | Stuck dismount in final trial |
| Emily Chanon | Beam | Error-free routine under top pressure |
Inside the Training Regimen Driving Howe and Chanons Rapid Ascent
Coaches say the pair’s daily schedule looks more like a blueprint than a calendar. Mornings begin with precision work on the apparatus-short, high-intensity blocks that mirror the pressure of an Olympic rotation. Their routine typically includes:
- Apparatus-specific sessions that cycle through high bar, rings, beam, and floor with tightly monitored skill counts.
- Micro-targeted conditioning for shoulders, hips, and core to withstand repetitive impact and torque.
- Video-assisted corrections where slow-motion replays expose flaws invisible at full speed.
- Recovery windows baked into the day, from contrast baths to guided breathing, to keep fatigue from compounding.
Data now shapes nearly every decision they make in the gym, from volume to velocity. Their staff tracks key metrics in real time, adjusting training loads to peak precisely for Paris.
| Session | Focus | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Morning Block | High-intensity skills | 90 minutes |
| Midday | Strength & mobility | 60 minutes |
| Evening | Routines & mental prep | 75 minutes |
Layered on top are sport psychology sessions that simulate the glare of Olympic lights-crowd noise pumped into the gym, deliberate distractions, and run-throughs performed with judges watching on live video-ensuring that when the stakes are highest, Howe and Chanon are executing choreography they have already lived a hundred times in training.
What Their Olympic Berths Mean for the Future of U S Pairs Figure Skating
Their qualification signals more than a personal milestone; it represents a turning point for a discipline that has often lived in the shadow of American singles skating and ice dance. Howe and Chanon’s rise injects urgency into how federations, coaches, and rinks invest in pairs-specific training, from overhead lift safety to side-by-side jump consistency. Their trajectory is also expected to influence how young skaters map their careers, making the jump from singles to pairs a more attractive, better-supported option. Already, developmental programs are reporting increased inquiries from teen skaters and parents asking about partner search tools, tailored strength training, and long-term Olympic planning.
Inside the U.S. system, their breakthrough is reshaping strategic priorities in subtle but concrete ways, including:
- Resource allocation: More ice time and funding dedicated to pairs at major training centers.
- Coaching pipelines: Recruitment of specialists in lifts, throws, and pair spins.
- Talent identification: Earlier scouting of compatible body types, skating styles, and mental profiles for pair work.
- International exposure: Targeted entries in Grand Prix and Challenger events to deepen competitive experience.
| Area of Impact | Short-Term Effect | Long-Term Goal |
|---|---|---|
| Youth Participation | More skaters trying pairs | Broader, deeper talent pool |
| Coaching & Training | Added pairs sessions & clinics | National centers of excellence |
| International Results | Higher visibility at major events | Consistent podium contention |
How San Diego Can Support Its Newest Olympic Hopefuls
As Spencer Akira Howe and Emily Chanon step onto the world’s biggest stage, the support of San Diego can move beyond applause and become a tangible investment in their success. Local leaders, businesses, and sports organizations can collaborate to create targeted funding channels, sponsor access to advanced training facilities, and underwrite travel, nutrition, and sports science resources. Community-driven initiatives such as scholarship funds and performance grants would help offset the steep costs of elite competition, while partnerships with local universities and hospitals could open doors to cutting-edge recovery, physiotherapy, and mental performance services.
- Corporate sponsorships for training, equipment, and travel
- Community watch parties that amplify visibility and civic pride
- School outreach visits to inspire young athletes regionwide
- Local media features providing consistent coverage and storytelling
| Support Area | Local Action |
|---|---|
| Training | Access to elite gyms and coaching |
| Health | Sports medicine and recovery programs |
| Community | City-backed recognition and events |
| Legacy | Youth clinics branded by the athletes |
Beyond financial and institutional backing, San Diego’s role will be measured in visibility and long-term commitment. By integrating their stories into local school curricula, neighborhood rec programs, and citywide sports calendars, officials can ensure that Howe and Chanon are not fleeting headlines but enduring figures in the region’s athletic identity. Strategic use of social media campaigns, neighborhood banners, and coordinated coverage with outlets such as NBC 7 San Diego can keep residents informed and engaged, turning every practice, qualifier, and Olympic appearance into a shared civic moment.
Future Outlook
As the Olympic countdown continues, Howe and Chanon’s qualification underscores both the depth of talent emerging from the San Diego region and the enduring strength of the U.S. program on the international stage. Their journeys from local training facilities to the world’s largest sporting event reflect years of discipline, sacrifice, and support from coaches, families, and communities.
NBC 7 San Diego will provide ongoing coverage of their preparations, profiles of their paths to Paris, and in-depth reporting on how these local athletes fare against the world’s best. As Howe and Chanon don the red, white, and blue, they will carry not only national expectations, but also the pride of a city closely watching their next steps on the Olympic stage.
