Madison Chock and Evan Bates Secure Silver in 2026 Olympic Ice Dance Debut
Madison Chock and Evan Bates celebrated a significant achievement by winning a silver medal in ice dance at the 2026 Winter Olympics. Their remarkable free dance routine earned them 134.67 points, narrowly missing gold by a mere 1.43 points.
2026 Olympic Ice Dance Competition
The competition took place on February 11, 2026, at the Milano Ice Skating Arena. Chock and Bates performed to “Paint It Black,” a piece from the dystopian series “Westworld.” They had previously scored 0.46 points behind French duo Laurence Fournier Beaudry and Guillaume Cizeron in the rhythm dance segment.
Performance Overview
- Free Dance Score: 134.67
- Gold Medal Score: 135.64
- Margin from Gold: 0.94 points
This silver medal marks the first Olympic medal in ice dance for the American couple. Chock and Bates have been a competitive pair for 15 years and tied the knot in 2024. Their consistency has been evident as this is their fourth consecutive Olympics, and they previously helped Team USA secure two golds in the team event.
The Controversy Surrounding the French Duo
Beaudry and Cizeron generated controversy following their victory. Cizeron had previously won gold in ice dance at the 2022 Winter Olympics with Gabriella Papadakis, who retired in 2024. After their split, Papadakis accused Cizeron of abusive behavior, leading to a public dispute.
Background on Beaudry and Cizeron
- Beaudry competed for Canada before obtaining French citizenship in November 2025.
- She teamed up with Cizeron after her former partner, Nikolaj Sørensen, faced suspension due to serious allegations.
- Despite the suspension being overturned, the allegations against Sørensen remain unresolved.
In a recent Netflix docuseries, “Glitter & Gold: Ice Dancing,” Beaudry discussed the impact of the suspension on her career, stating that it was “devastating.” The relationships in ice dance continue to capture public attention, with performances and personal disputes intertwining.
Overall, the 2026 Winter Olympics highlighted both athletic prowess and the complexities of personal relationships within the sport. Madison Chock and Evan Bates have made their mark, while the French duo’s controversies continue to provoke discussion among fans and media.
