Irina Krush juggles Chess Olympiad preparation and commentary duties in India

Irina Krush spoke exclusively to TimesofIndia.com on September 23, 2026, about juggling Olympiad preparation and a commentary gig in India as she prepares to compete at her 13th Chess Olympiad.

She has been a constant presence in the United States women's chess team's rise and featured in all three of its historic Olympiad medals.

Krush became America's youngest women's champion at 14 and earned the country's only female grandmaster title, and in the interview she reflected on her journey, the changing landscape of American chess, her commentary career, and the challenges of competing at her 13th Olympiad.