Madison Chock and Evan Bates, the American ice dance duo who captured hearts with their on‑ice chemistry and off‑ice romance, have delivered yet another breathtaking performance at the 2026 Winter Olympics. The newlyweds, who tied the knot in a Hawaiian ceremony last June, scored a season‑best 133.23 points in the team event free dance on Saturday, securing maximum points for Team USA and maintaining their position as the team to beat in Milano Cortina. With their undefeated season and a third consecutive world title within reach, the couple’s story is one of athletic excellence and personal partnership.
How Chock and Bates Dominated the Olympic Team Event
Chock and Bates entered the team event as the only returning members of the gold‑medal winning squad from Beijing 2022. Their flamenco‑inspired routine, set to The Rolling Stones’ “Paint It Black,” earned them a season‑high 133.23 points and the maximum 10 points for the United States. The performance not only extended their unbeaten streak this season but also gave Team USA a solid lead heading into the final day of the team competition. Earlier in the week, the pair had already posted a world‑best 91.06 points in the rhythm dance, demonstrating their consistency and technical mastery.
From Partnership to Marriage: The Chock‑Bates Timeline
The couple’s journey together spans more than a decade. They began skating together in 2011 and soon developed a romantic relationship off the ice. After getting engaged in 2023, they married on June 20, 2024, at the Lanikuhonua Cultural Institute on Oahu, Hawaii. Their wedding, attended by close friends and family, was a picturesque seaside celebration that mirrored the grace and harmony they display on the ice. The marriage marks a new chapter for the pair, who have often described their on‑ice connection as an extension of their personal bond.
Why This Performance Signals Olympic Gold Repeat
Experts point to Chock and Bates’ unparalleled consistency and artistic innovation as the keys to their success. Their “Paint It Black” program, choreographed by longtime coach Marie‑France Dubreuil, blends technical difficulty with dramatic storytelling—a combination that has earned them top scores all season. As three‑time U.S. champions and the reigning world champions, they are heavily favored to win the individual ice dance event later this week. Their ability to perform under pressure, coupled with the emotional resonance of their recently married status, gives them a unique edge over their competitors.
Where Team USA Stands After the Free Dance
Following Chock and Bates’ victory, Team USA leads the overall team standings with 58 points, ahead of Italy (52 points) and Canada (48 points). The team event concludes with the pairs, women’s, and men’s free skates on Sunday. With the maximum points from ice dance already secured, the United States is in a strong position to claim its second consecutive team gold. The performance also sets a confident tone for the individual ice dance competition, which begins with the rhythm dance on February 9 and concludes with the free dance on February 11.
The Road to Individual Ice Dance Gold
Chock and Bates will now turn their attention to the individual event, where they face a deep field that includes Italian duo Charlene Guignard and Marco Fabbri and Canadian pair Laurence Fournier Beaudry and Nikolaj Sørensen. The couple has stated that their approach remains the same: focus on each element, trust their training, and enjoy the moment. Having already won three world titles together, an Olympic gold in the individual event is the one major prize still missing from their résumé. Their recent marriage and dominant team‑event performance have only heightened expectations that they will achieve that goal in Milano Cortina.
Key Takeaways from Chock and Bates’ Latest Triumph
The story of Madison Chock and Evan Bates is a testament to the power of partnership—both on and off the ice. Their season‑best score of 133.23 points underscores their technical and artistic supremacy, while their Hawaiian wedding adds a compelling personal dimension to their Olympic journey. As they prepare for the individual competition, the couple remains focused on the process, confident that their years of shared experience will carry them through. Whether they leave Italy with one gold medal or two, their legacy as one of ice dance’s most iconic pairs is already secure.
