MILAN — The United States figure skating ice dance duo of Madison Chock and Evan Bates has enjoyed a celebrated career filled with accolades, yet the coveted Olympic gold medal has thus far eluded them. That could change on Wednesday night as they prepare to skate for gold in the ice dance final after securing second place in their rhythm dance routine.
Despite their impressive track record, which includes three consecutive World Championships and three Grand Prix Finals titles, Chock and Bates have not ranked higher than fourth in prior Olympic competitions. To clinch the gold, they will face stiff competition from the French team of Laurence Fournier Beaudry and Guillaume Cizeron, who earned the highest rhythm dance score in the preliminary rounds, with a narrow margin of just 0.46 points separating the two teams.
Adding a unique twist to the competition, both Chock and Bates as well as Fournier Beaudry and Cizeron have trained under the same coaching team at the esteemed Ice Academy of Montreal, helmed by Patrice Lauzon, Marie-France Dubreuil, and Romain Haguenauer. This shared background adds another layer of excitement to their matchup.
In an interview with NBC News before the Olympics, Chock highlighted the importance of self-advocacy, stating that both she and Bates take ownership of their training needs and communicate openly with their coaches. “I think the coaches do their very best to ensure that everyone has what they need and feel supported,” Chock noted. “We’re the biggest advocates for ourselves, more so than anyone else.”
Cizeron, who won Olympic gold in ice dance with a different partner, surprised many when he announced his comeback with Fournier Beaudry after a brief retirement in December 2024. Chock expressed her surprise at Cizeron’s return, revealing that they had little warning about the new partnership forming. Even though there was initial uncertainty about how it might affect their training, Chock emphasized that their focus and goals remain steadfast.
As Chock and Bates gear up for the free dance on Wednesday night, they are not only competing for glory but for a chance to finally secure the only major title that has thus far eluded them. With their extensive preparation and determination, they are ready to take on any challenge in pursuit of Olympic gold.