US Figure Skating Appeals Olympic Decision Amid French Judging Controversy
Team USA’s ice dancing pair has decided not to pursue an appeal regarding the contentious scoring at the 2026 Winter Olympics. Madison Chock and Evan Bates initially considered an appeal after they finished with a silver medal, short of the gold due to a disputed judging decision. The controversy centered on a French judge’s scoring that was perceived as biased in favor of the French team, Laurence Fournier Beaudry and Guillaume Cizeron.
Decision Not to Appeal Scoring Results
In a recent statement, U.S. Figure Skating CEO Matt Farrell acknowledged the emotional toll of the ice dance competition in Milan. He emphasized the need for constructive discussions going forward, focusing on support for the athletes and the sport’s future.
- Olympic Date: February 11, 2026
- Chock and Bates Score: 224.39
- Beaudry and Cizeron Score: 225.82
- Score Difference: 1.43 points
Controversy Highlights Bias Allegations
The judging controversy came to light when French judge Jézabel Dabois awarded significantly lower scores to Chock and Bates compared to her colleagues. Following their performance, the American duo expressed astonishment at the scoring results during a national television interview.
Bates reflected on their performance, stating, “We felt like we delivered our absolute best performance. It was our Olympic moment.” This event marked their fourth Olympic appearance and their first individual medal in ice dancing, adding to their collection of two Olympic gold medals from team events.
Support and Future Plans
Despite the disappointment, both Chock and Bates are shifting their focus to future competitions and training. U.S. Figure Skating plans to collaborate with them to ensure the athletes receive the necessary support moving forward.
The 2026 Winter Olympics left an indelible mark on the pair’s careers, highlighting both the triumphs and challenges of competing at such a high level. As the ice skating community continues to discuss the ramifications of the judging controversy, the emphasis remains on improving the fairness of the sport.
