The Beautiful Bates
Michigan's Evan Bates and Madison Chock capture silver in Ice Dance
In 2022, frustration lingered after a fourth-place finish at the Winter Olympics. This time, Michigan alum Evan Bates and his wife and skating partner, Madison Chock, rewrote the ending. On Wednesday, February 11 in Milan, the duo earned their first Olympic medal together outside of the team event, bringing home silver for the United States in Ice Dance.
In a performance that felt cinematic from the opening pose, the pair delivered a breathtaking, near-flawless skate to an instrumental version of “Paint It Black” by The Rolling Stones. They moved in complete synchrony, every edge sharp and intentional, every lift seamless. When they struck their final pose, the arena erupted. The judges rewarded the moment with a total score of 224.39.
“There’s so many emotions that come through after a week like this,” Bates said. “But I think when things settle, we’ll be super proud and look back on our time here and be happy with everything that was up to us. We really did our best.”
Ultimately, the French duo of Guillaume Cizeron and Laurence Fournier Beaudry edged them out for gold by the slimmest of margins. Still, after 15 years of partnership, perseverance, and patience, Chock and Bates stood on the Olympic podium together at last.
“One fact that is indisputable is that we delivered our best,” Bates added.
“I am so proud of what we’ve accomplished,” Chock said. “Who we’ve become on the way to this moment. And I know life will go on. This is now just part of our story.”
If this was their final Olympic bow, it was a masterclass in resilience and artistry. And if they choose to lace up again, the ice will be better for it. Either way, they leave Milan with their heads held high and a new shiny piece of silver.
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