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Madison Chock and Evan Bates Return for What Could Be Their Final Olympic Chapter

The countdown to the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics just became even more compelling. Madison Chock and Evan Bates — three-time World Champions and one of figure skating’s most beloved couples — are back on the ice, chasing what could be the final gold medal of their extraordinary partnership.

Now in their 15th season together, the American ice dance stars enter the Games in dominant form. But this season may also mark the end of an era, as it is widely expected to be their final Olympic appearance — and possibly their final competitive campaign.

From Partners to Life Partners

Chock, 33, and Bates, 36, have skated side by side since 2011, when Bates partnered with Chock following the retirement of her previous partner, Greg Zuerlein. Over time, their chemistry on the ice blossomed into something deeper.

The pair began dating in 2017, got engaged in 2022, and were married in a stunning ceremony in Hawaii in June 2024. Their personal commitment has only strengthened their competitive bond.

“As we’ve competed as husband and wife, we feel an even deeper connection,” Bates recently shared. “It’s knowing we’ve made a commitment to each other. We’re going to be partners for the rest of our life, even when our skating career is over.”

Chock echoed that sentiment: “I’m grateful for the longevity that we’ve had — the fact that we’re able to pursue our passions together.”

Red-Hot Heading into 2026

The couple’s results speak for themselves. They recently claimed their third consecutive Grand Prix Final title, solidifying their status as one of the most consistent and dominant teams in the sport.

As three-time World Champions, they are widely viewed as strong contenders for Olympic gold in Milan. Still, the ice dance field remains stacked with elite teams, meaning nothing will be handed to them.

For Bates, the goal remains crystal clear: “It’s just been a dream since childhood to be an Olympian — and to win a gold medal is the ultimate.”

An Olympic Gold Years in the Making

Their first Olympic gold medal did not come in the traditional way. At the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics, the U.S. team initially finished second behind the Russian Olympic Committee.

However, after Russian skater Kamila Valieva tested positive for a banned substance, the team results were reevaluated. Following a lengthy legal process, Team USA was officially awarded gold in 2024 — nearly two years after the Games concluded.

In a twist of fate, Chock and Bates received confirmation of their Olympic gold just weeks after their wedding, turning an already joyful summer into a historic one.

One Last Dance?

As Milano Cortina approaches, the stakes feel higher than ever. This season represents not only another opportunity for Olympic glory but also a possible farewell to one of the sport’s most enduring partnerships.

With experience, maturity, and a deeper emotional connection than ever before, Chock and Bates are entering the Games with momentum — and legacy on the line.

Whether this becomes their final competitive season or not, one thing is certain: their journey from teenage competitors to world champions and husband-and-wife Olympians has already secured them a permanent place in figure skating history.

Watch Madison Chock and Evan Bates Perform