Madison Chock and Evan Bates Make History with Seventh U.S. Figure Skating Title Ahead of Milan Cortina Olympics
BOSTON, Mass. — Madison Chock and Evan Bates, the reigning world champions and widely celebrated U.S. figure skating duo, captured their record-breaking seventh national title on Saturday, solidifying their status as the frontrunners for gold at the upcoming Milan Cortina Winter Olympics. Their electrifying flamenco-style free skate, performed to a haunting rendition of the Rolling Stones’ “Paint It Black” inspired by the dystopian sci-fi Western series “Westworld,” earned them a season-best 228.87 points, a performance that resonated deeply with the audience and judges alike.
“The feeling that we got from the audience today was unlike anything I’ve ever felt before,” Chock remarked after their victory. Their flawless routine not only showcased technical prowess but also artistic expression, a combination that has become their signature and a major reason for their sustained dominance in U.S. figure skating. The duo’s seven titles set a new benchmark in American figure skating history, underscoring their longevity and consistency at the sport’s highest level.
As the U.S. Figure Skating Association prepares to announce its official Olympic team selections, Chock and Bates stand as the heavy favorites to bring home gold. Their journey to this point has been marked by resilience and triumph, especially after the controversial 2022 Beijing Olympics, where they initially received silver due to the disqualification of the Russian gold medalist Kamila Valieva for doping violations. The U.S. Figure Skating community has rallied behind them, recognizing their skill and sportsmanship.
Behind Chock and Bates, the pairs competition saw Emilea Zingas and Vadym Kolesnik finish second with 213.65 points, while Christina Carreira and Anthony Ponomarenko took third with 206.95 points. These results position both pairs as likely candidates to join the Olympic squad alongside Chock and Bates. The men’s competition also unfolded on Saturday, with two-time world champion Ilia Malinin maintaining a commanding lead after the short program, virtually assuring him a fourth consecutive national title. The U.S. has secured the maximum three men’s spots for the Winter Games, with contenders such as Tomoko Hiwatashi, Jason Brown, Andrew Torgashev, and Maxim Naumov battling for the remaining podium positions.
Chock and Bates’ historic accomplishment comes at a time when the International Olympic Committee and the International Skating Union have placed renewed emphasis on clean competition and fair play, especially in light of past doping controversies that have impacted figure skating’s reputation. Their poised and passionate performances have helped restore confidence in the sport’s integrity.
With the Winter Olympics set to begin next month in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy, the spotlight will be firmly on Chock and Bates as they seek to convert their national dominance into Olympic gold. Their artistic innovation and technical mastery have made them fan favorites and national icons, embodying the spirit of perseverance and excellence. As they prepare to take the ice on the world’s biggest stage, their record seventh national title serves as a powerful testament to their enduring legacy.
For further details on the Olympic figure skating schedule and athlete profiles, visit the official Team USA Olympic site and the U.S. Figure Skating Association.
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