Photo courtesy of U.S. Figure Skating
“Faster, Higher, Stronger – Together.” That’s the Olympic motto, and it mirrors the mindset driving Coral Springs native Andrew Torgashev. With the support of his coaches and family, he’s pushing to spin faster, jump higher and skate stronger, chasing one of three coveted spots on Team USA in men’s figure skating at the 2026 Winter Olympic Games. The Games, which take place in Italy next month, bring together the world’s top athletes for a thrilling competition.
Torgashev was coached by his parents for most of his childhood. He skated at Florida Panthers IceDen in his hometown and attended North Broward Preparatory School before moving to Colorado Springs to advance his skating. In October 2020, he relocated again, to Irvine, Calif., where he now trains with renowned Olympic coach Rafael Arutunian.
To this day, the 24-year-old proudly represents the Panthers Figure Skating Club on the national and global stage, showing the world that it’s not only Florida’s hockey players accomplishing big things on the ice.
“I think I have a real chance to do something, and to represent Florida is awesome. It’s my home and my love,” Torgashev says. “I’m a diehard Panthers fan and always have been. I watched them practice, and I feel [like I’m] part of the Panthers family.”
For the first time in two years, Torgashev returned home last month to perform in his club’s holiday show at Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise.
The reigning U.S. silver medalist will take the ice again on Jan. 8 and 10 at the 2026 Prevagen U.S. Figure Skating Championships in St. Louis, airing on NBC and USA Network and streaming on Peacock. The selection committee will then meet to analyze each contender’s overall body of work before officially announcing the Olympic team on Jan. 11.
After tough competitions leading up to the national championships, Torgashev is regrouping, rebuilding trust in himself and working to execute his arsenal of triple and quadruple jumps.
“I want to be super diligent about training, bulletproof my programs and mind and get out there competition-ready,” he says. “I’ve dreamed of being an Olympian for Team USA since I was 9 years old, so I would be beyond honored. I want to step onto the ice, see the Olympic rings and meet athletes from other sports.”