Quick Read
- Madison Chock and Evan Bates are in second place after the rhythm dance at the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics.
- They are less than half a point behind French leaders Laurence Fournier Beaudry and Guillaume Cizeron.
- Chock and Bates are three-time world champions and seeking their first individual Olympic ice dance medal.
- Madison Chock’s Hawaiian heritage and lifelong dedication to skating are a central part of her Olympic story.
- The scores from the rhythm dance carry over to Wednesday’s free dance, which will determine the medal winners.
MILAN (Azat TV) – American ice dancers Madison Chock and Evan Bates are positioned for a fierce battle for gold at the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, currently holding second place after Monday’s rhythm dance. Their pursuit of a first individual Olympic medal comes with a compelling personal narrative, as Chock’s deep Hawaiian heritage and lifelong dedication to the sport resurface as a defining aspect of her journey on the world stage.
The three-time world champions delivered a strong performance at the Milano Ice Skating Arena but a slight technical deduction on a pattern step left them just behind France’s Laurence Fournier Beaudry and Guillaume Cizeron. The French duo scored 90.18 points, a narrow lead over Chock and Bates’ 89.72 points, setting the stage for a dramatic free dance on Wednesday where scores from the rhythm dance carry over to determine the final medalists, as reported by Yahoo Sports and Action News 5.
Olympic Ice Dance Showdown Heats Up
The rhythm dance saw intense competition, with the top two teams separated by less than half a point. Canada’s Piper Gilles and Paul Poirier are in third place with 86.18 points, while other teams, including USA’s Emilea Zingas and Vadym Kolesnik, remain within striking distance for bronze. Chock and Bates, who had previously achieved a world-leading score of 91.06 for the same Lenny Kravitz-inspired program during the team competition, expressed satisfaction with their performance despite the minor setback.
The French pair, Beaudry and Cizeron, have faced recent scrutiny, including allegations against Cizeron from his former partner Gabriella Papadakis, which he has denied. Despite the off-ice distractions, they delivered a superior performance in the rhythm dance compared to their showing in the team event, securing their narrow lead. For Chock and Bates, who have been nearly unbeatable in recent years, this close contest is a familiar challenge. “The game is always on. You should know us by now,” Chock stated after their skate, emphasizing their focus on their routine.
Chock and Bates’ Olympic Journey and Hawaiian Legacy
While Madison Chock and Evan Bates have secured two team gold medals for Team USA in 2022 and at these current Games, an individual Olympic medal has remained elusive. They finished fourth at the Beijing Olympics, making this pursuit in Milan Cortina a significant career milestone. Their consistent dominance, including three consecutive world championships and seven U.S. national titles, has positioned them as favorites for gold.
Beyond the competitive drive, Madison Chock’s story is deeply intertwined with her Hawaiian roots. Born in California, Chock’s father, Wes, hails from the islands, and her family instilled Hawaiian culture throughout her life. Her middle names, La’akea (sacred light from heaven) and Te-Lan (unique orchid), honor her diverse background. From a young age, inspired by fellow Asian-American figure skater Michelle Kwan, Chock declared her intention to reach the Olympics, a dream she has now fulfilled four times, according to USA Today Sports.
Her parents made significant sacrifices, even commuting from Detroit to Chicago for work, to support her burgeoning skating career. Chock’s connection to Hawaii remains strong; she and Bates performed at the Ice Palace in Honolulu in 2014 and 2015, inspiring young local skaters. The couple even chose Hawaii for their wedding in 2024, at the Lanikūhonua Cultural Institute on Oahu. “I take my Hawaiian roots very seriously,” Chock confirmed, highlighting her pride in representing her heritage on the ice.
The Road to Milan Cortina Gold
As the competition progresses, the focus shifts to Wednesday’s free dance. The narrow margin between Chock and Bates and the French leaders means the gold medal will likely be decided by a near-perfect performance. The U.S. pair’s coaches will be meticulously analyzing their rhythm dance to identify any areas for improvement before the decisive skate. The intensity of this two-way battle for gold underscores the high stakes for Chock and Bates, who are determined to cap their illustrious careers with an individual Olympic title.
The confluence of Madison Chock’s long-standing Olympic ambition, her profound connection to her Hawaiian heritage, and her current position on the cusp of an individual gold medal creates a compelling narrative that transcends mere athletic achievement, highlighting the personal journey behind elite performance.