Chock and Bates Dominate 2026 Winter Olympics with Record Figure Skating Score
Madison Chock and Evan Bates shined at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan. They achieved a remarkable score of 91.06 points in the rhythm dance, setting a new world record. This performance marked the start of the team competition, with the American duo looking to defend their title as reigning champions.
Exceptional Performance and Crowd Support
The atmosphere at the competition was electric. The duo received enthusiastic support from attendees, including notable figures such as Vice President J.D. Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Their Lenny Kravitz-inspired routine secured the maximum 10 points for Team USA, helping to establish a strong early lead in the event.
Chock and Bates: Three-Time World Champions
Chock and Bates, who are three-time world champions, are favorites for the individual Olympic gold as the games progress. They face stiff competition from the French team of Laurence Fournier Beaudry and Guillaume Cizeron. The French skaters had set their own record just moments before Chock and Bates performed, scoring 89.98 points.
Team Competition Dynamics
- Leading Teams: The U.S. team is anticipated to compete closely with Japan for the gold medal.
- U.S. Advantage: Chock and Bates’ victory in the rhythm dance places the U.S. in a strong leading position, particularly after Japan’s Utana Yoshia and Masaya Morita placed eighth.
Upcoming Events
Following the rhythm dance, the schedule included the short programs for women’s singles and pairs, featuring performances from athletes like world champion Alysa Liu. The anticipation for the opening ceremony added to the excitement of the day’s events.
Riding the Olympic Wave
“We’re not focused on that,” Chock stated when asked about the competition. Bates echoed her sentiment, expressing their happiness with their performance. “It’s always a great feeling to do it for the U.S.,” he said, emphasizing their commitment to showcasing their best on the Olympic stage.
With their record-setting performance, Chock and Bates have positioned themselves as prime contenders in the ongoing Winter Olympics, eager to continue their journey towards Olympic gold.