Madison Chock and Evan Bates Propel USA Ahead in 2026 Winter Olympics Skating
Madison Chock and Evan Bates have set a high bar for the United States in the figure skating team event at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina. On Friday, February 6, they dazzled audiences by scoring a remarkable 91.06 in their rhythm dance, surpassing all competitors.
Chock and Bates Lead Team USA
The three-time world champions were the only couple to surpass the 90-point threshold. Their performance, featuring a number from Lenny Kravitz, not only showcased their talent but also positioned them ahead of their main rivals.
- Score: 91.06
- Team: USA
- Previous competition: Beijing 2022 champions
Bates expressed his excitement about the achievement, stating, “Breaking 90 is always a great feat, and doing it at the Olympic Games is even better.” This impressive performance marked the opening of the team event, which will progress through pairs and women’s short programs over the weekend.
Performance Overview
The rhythm dance highlighted Chock and Bates’s exceptional skill, as they received top marks for their step sequence and accumulated 52.77 points for technical elements. Their achievement has set a strong foundation for Team USA’s success in the remaining events.
Chock remarked, “We’re really happy to have performed that well. It sets Team USA up great for the rest of the week.” They hold a slim lead over Team France, who is just 1.08 points behind after the first round.
Team France’s Strong Showing
France’s ice dance duo of Laurence Fournier Beaudry and Guillaume Cizeron earned second place with an electrifying rhythm dance that saw them improve their personal best by over two points. Their score received enthusiastic cheers, further energizing their performance.
- Team: France
- Score: Personal best contributed to a second-place standing
- Performance theme: 90s rhythm dance, featuring Madonna’s iconic song
Fournier Beaudry shared her exhilaration, stating, “It was amazing. We lived a moment that felt unreal, and just being here is a big achievement.” Their teamwork, reunited after a break post-Beijing 2022, has already proven successful this season.
The ongoing events of the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics will continue to build excitement as top teams compete for figure skating supremacy. Both Team USA and Team France remain strong contenders heading into the next segments of the competition.
