Chock and Bates Lead with Top Score in Olympic Figure Skating Opener
The opening day of the figure skating competition at the Milan Cortina Olympics was a remarkable showcase of talent, led by American duo Madison Chock and Evan Bates. The couple delivered a captivating rhythm dance that resonated with high energy, set to the music of Lenny Kravitz. Their exceptional performance scored an impressive 91.06 points, establishing a firm lead for the U.S. Figure Skating team.
Team Standings and Performances
The U.S. skaters have a stronghold as they aim to defend their title from the previous Olympics. Following Chock and Bates’ performance, Alysa Liu also contributed significantly by placing second to Japan’s Kaori Sakamoto in the women’s short program. This effort left the Americans with a total of 25 points, with Japan trailing closely at 23 points, and host-nation Italy in third with 22 points leading into Saturday’s men’s short program.
Key Scores from Day One
| Country | Points |
|---|---|
| United States | 25 |
| Japan | 23 |
| Italy | 22 |
Chock and Bates Ready for Challenge
Chock and Bates, who are three-time world champions, expressed their satisfaction with their performance. Bates remarked on the thrill of kicking off the Olympics with such energy. Despite their previous experience in Beijing, where they did not receive their medals immediately due to a doping investigation, the couple is motivated to secure another gold.
Strong Competition Ahead
The competition intensifies with the introduction of French skaters Laurence Fournier Beaudry and Guillaume Cizeron, who also set a high benchmark with a score of 89.98 points. Cizeron, a previous Olympic champion, noted their focus on precision and enjoyment within their performances.
Additional Performances
- Pair skaters Ellie Kam and Danny O’Shea finished fifth in the pairs short program.
- World champions Riku Miura and Ryuichi Kihara gave Japan a boost in the pairs competition.
The final performances of the day featured Liu and her competition, emphasizing the tight race between the American and Japanese teams. Liu shone with a score of 74.90 after successfully executing her jumps, while Sakamoto followed closely with 78.88 points.
Looking Forward
With Saturday’s competitions approaching, the stakes are high as teams prepare to fight for a coveted spot in the finals. The unique dynamic of the U.S. Figure Skating Team, characterized by strong leadership and camaraderie, sets them apart in this Olympic quest. As they strive for excellence, all eyes will be on how they maintain their lead in the challenging days ahead.
