Madison Chock and Evan Bates made a dazzling start to the team competition at the Milan Cortina Olympics, achieving a world-best score of 91.06 points in the rhythm dance on Friday. This impressive performance took place before a lively audience that included Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, underscoring the anticipation and excitement for the American figure skating team, the reigning champions.
Chock and Bates, who are three-time world champions, captivated the crowd with their rock-and-roll-inspired routine set to a Lenny Kravitz track, securing the maximum 10 points for their team. As the favorites for individual Olympic gold later in the Games, they are looking to maintain their top spot, although they will face stiff competition from French duo Laurence Fournier Beaudry and Guillaume Cizeron, who set the previous world-best score of 89.98 points just moments before the Americans took the ice.
Despite the pressure, Chock remained focused on their performance, stating, “We’re not focused on that. We’re just doing what we do.” The rhythm dance’s outcome gives the U.S. a significant early lead over competitors, particularly Japan, who are also eyeing the gold medal. This promising start is bolstered by an eighth-place finish from Japanese skaters Utana Yoshia and Masaya Morita.
Later on the same day, the team witnessed further competition in the short program for women and pairs. U.S. skaters Ellie Kam and Danny O’Shea took to the ice, accompanied by world champion Alysa Liu performing her short program. Bates expressed satisfaction with their performance, noting the excitement of officially kicking off the Olympics: “We definitely skated great and we’re very happy… It’s always a great feeling to do it for U.S.”
The opening ceremony is scheduled for Friday, February 6, featuring performances by renowned artists such as Mariah Carey, Laura Pausini, and Andrea Bocelli, adding to the celebratory atmosphere. Olympic events will run through February 22, followed by the Paralympics from March 6 to March 15. The continued exceptional performances from American athletes like Chock and Bates highlight the nation’s strong presence in winter sports, instilling hope for further victories in the upcoming competitions.