Veteran Ice Dancers Chock and Bates Mentor First-Time Olympians
The figure skating events for the Milan Cortina Winter Games commenced just before the official Opening Ceremony. This marked a significant moment for experienced athletes Madison Chock and Evan Bates, who are participating in their fourth and fifth Olympic competitions, respectively. These three-time world champions expressed that every Olympic experience remains uniquely thrilling.
Chock and Bates Share Insights
Madison Chock emphasized the importance of cherishing every moment on Olympic ice. She stated, “Any time you get the opportunity to compete at the Olympics, you want to cherish it.” Similarly, Evan Bates spoke about the excitement accompanying their status as favorites for team gold, stating, “I’m so happy for our sport, for U.S. Figure Skating.”
Goal of Reviving Figure Skating’s Popularity
The duo highlighted their ambition to rejuvenate interest in figure skating within popular culture. Bates noted that the team aims to bring the sport back to the forefront, especially after a decline in viewership since its peak in the 1990s.
- Challenges faced by figure skating include:
- A complicated judging system that is difficult for fans to understand.
- Recent controversies affecting the sport’s reputation.
Chock and Bates are optimistic that this generation of Olympic skaters can transform public perception. Bates stated, “This generation of skaters are so fun, they’re so entertaining, and I think we have the firepower to make skating popular again.” They hope that their performances during the Olympics will help shift the narrative surrounding figure skating.
As the competition progresses, all eyes will be on these veterans and their contributions to restoring figure skating’s legendary status in sports culture.
