Madison Chock and Evan Bates entered the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympic Games as favorites for individual ice dance gold.
After the rhythm dance on February 9, however, the American pair found themselves narrowly behind their French rivals, sparking discussion about scoring just two days before medals are decided.
Chock and Bates scored 89.72 for their ‘90s-themed rhythm dance set to a Lenny Kravitz medley. France’s Laurence Fournier Beaudry and Guillaume Cizeron earned 90.18 for their performance to Madonna’s “Vogue,” giving them a 0.46-point lead heading into the free dance.
Madison Chock and Evan Bates React to Lower-Than-Expected Score
Chock and Bates had previously earned a 91.06 for the same routine during the team event earlier in the Games. The lower rhythm dance mark drew attention, particularly given the Americans’ three-year unbeaten streak and three consecutive world titles.
Despite the scoring outcome, Chock expressed satisfaction with the performance. “We were really happy with how we skated tonight,” she said in a post-event interview with NBC.
Bates echoed that sentiment and suggested the skate improved upon their earlier outing.
“I think we skated even better than in the team event,” he said. “I think the emotion at the end of the program, the hug, the smiles, the bows — that is for me, the greatest memory of the Olympic Games. It’s the feeling of accomplishment, knowing you did your best on the ice, and the rest isn’t necessarily up to us.”
NBC commentator and former Olympic gold medalist Scott Hamilton reacted on the broadcast, saying, “Didn’t see that one coming,” when the score was posted.
Chock and Bates Face French Rivals in Tight Gold Medal Race
The free dance on February 11 will determine whether Chock and Bates secure their first individual Olympic gold medal. The duo already owns team gold from the 2022 Beijing Games and from Milan, but an individual title remains the final major achievement missing from their résumé.
The French team’s presence has added intrigue. Fournier Beaudry previously competed for Canada, while Cizeron returned from retirement after winning Olympic gold in 2022 with former partner Gabriella Papadakis.
According to ESPN, Cizeron addressed allegations made by Papadakis in her memoir, stating, “For more than 20 years, I have shown deep respect for Gabriella Papadakis, whom I have always regarded as a true partner. Despite a gradual erosion of our bond over the years, our relationship — based on equal collaboration both athletically and personally — has been marked by moments of success and mutual support.”
The ice dance free dance begins streaming on Peacock at 1:30 p.m. ET on February 11. Group 1 airs on USA following a preview at 1:15 p.m. ET, with Groups 2 through 4 airing on NBC beginning at 2:15 p.m. ET.
Scores and medals will be awarded after all groups perform.
Inside the Score That Shook Madison Chock & Evan Bates’ Gold Hopes