Team USA’s Madison Chock and Evan Bates delivered a stunning free dance at the Winter Olympics, earning a silver medal with a score of 224.39 — just shy of France’s Laurence Fournier Beaudry and Guillaume Cizeron, who scored 225.82.
The married duo entered Milan-Cortina as gold medal favorites, and their close second-place finish sparked online debate, with fans arguing they deserved the top spot.
After the event, Chock and Bates spoke candidly about their emotions. “At the end of the fourth performance, the emotions just came flooding out,” Bates said. “We really did our best. We delivered every time we stepped on the ice… Sometimes you can do everything right and it doesn’t go your way. That’s life and that’s sport.”
Chock added, “We delivered our best. We skated our best. We felt like we skated a winning performance. It’s definitely bittersweet, but we have so much to be proud of.”
The pair reflected on their 15-year partnership, which has brought them three Olympic medals, including team event golds in 2022 and 2026. “We’ve had the most incredible career,” Chock said. “I’m really proud of how we’ve handled ourselves and what we’ve accomplished here.”
Despite the silver, their dedication, consistency, and grace on the ice left a lasting impression on fans and the skating world alike.
Fans and fellow athletes alike praised the duo for their artistry, technical precision, and emotional depth. Many highlighted that even in defeat, Chock and Bates showcased the kind of poise and professionalism that defines Olympic champions. Social media quickly filled with tributes, calling their performance “masterful,” “inspirational,” and a testament to enduring dedication in the sport.
Looking ahead, Chock and Bates hinted that this might be one of the final chapters of their Olympic journey. While they remain focused on future competitions, the couple emphasized gratitude for their time together on the ice and the opportunity to represent Team USA on the world stage. “Every performance, every medal, every moment has been a gift,” Bates said. “We wouldn’t trade it for anything.”
