The Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 have become a showcase for American ice dance pair Madison Chock and Evan Bates, whose commanding performances have set Team USA firmly atop the figure skating team event standings. On Saturday, February 7, Chock and Bates delivered a season-best free dance that not only electrified the crowd at the Milano Ice Skating Arena, but also propelled the United States into a five-point lead over Japan and a seven-point lead over Italy as the competition heads into its decisive final day.
Chock and Bates, the three-time and reigning world champions, are no strangers to the Olympic stage. Competing in their fourth Winter Games, they have steadily climbed the ranks since their Olympic debut, finishing eighth in 2014, ninth in 2018, and fourth in 2022. But it’s their recent dominance — including three consecutive world titles and seven U.S. national championships — that has made them clear favorites for Olympic gold in Milan.
The duo’s performance on Saturday was nothing short of mesmerizing. Dancing to an orchestral rendition of "Paint It Black" by The Rolling Stones, Chock and Bates embodied the intensity and drama of a flamenco bullfight, captivating both judges and spectators. Their routine scored a staggering 133.23 points, nearly ten points ahead of their closest competitors, Italy’s Charlene Guignard and Marco Fabbri, who earned 124.22 points. The Canadians, Marjorie Lajoie and Zachary Lagha, rounded out the top three with 120.90 points.
"It felt very calm and very present," Chock reflected after their skate, echoing the pair’s approach to high-pressure moments. "It was a great feeling to have, taking Olympic ice with that feeling, with that intention and we really savored the moment." Bates added, "It’s just a progression. Each time we step out, we are competing with ourselves. It's very cliche, but it is our mindset and it is our approach and it's how we have stayed focused and it's how we've been training."
Chock and Bates’ technical prowess was on full display, earning Level 4s on four elements, including a curve-curve combination lift that tallied 14.74 points — the highest-scoring element of the competition. Their artistry and athleticism were matched only by their consistency; the pair had already won the rhythm dance the previous day, setting a world-leading score of 91.06 points to open the three-day team event.
Their efforts contributed the maximum 10 points to Team USA’s tally, bringing their individual total for the team event to 20 points. The Americans now sit atop the leaderboard with 44 points, ahead of Japan (39), Italy (37), Canada (35), and Georgia (32). The team event will conclude on Sunday, February 8, with the pairs, women’s, and men’s free skates.
Ilia Malinin, the "Quadgod" and two-time reigning world champion, also played a crucial role in extending Team USA’s lead. Making his Olympic debut, Malinin delivered a high-octane, warrior-themed short program that included a quad flip worth 14.77 points and signature moves like his famous backflip and "Raspberry Twist." Despite minor errors — a slight over-rotation on his triple Axel and an under-rotated quad Lutz-triple toe loop — Malinin’s 98.00 points secured second place in the men’s short program and added nine points to the American total. "I feel happy. I'm so glad to be here," Malinin said. "This Olympic movement, this Olympic experience was a once-in-a-lifetime moment for me, so just being able to go out there, that's what I'm grateful for."
Team USA’s dominance in the team event is no accident. Since the event’s Olympic inception in 2014, the Americans have medaled every time, earning bronze in 2014 and 2018, and capturing gold in 2022. That 2022 victory, however, was marred by controversy — the medal ceremony was delayed due to a lengthy investigation into Russian doping, with the American skaters finally receiving their gold medals at a special ceremony during the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris. The experience has fueled the team’s determination in Milan, where they are poised to defend their title on the ice.
For Chock and Bates, the 2026 Games represent both a culmination and a new challenge. The pair faces a grueling schedule: four programs in six days, more than most of their competitors. While some rival teams, such as France and Great Britain, opted to rest their top skaters for the team event, Chock and Bates have shouldered the heavy lifting for Team USA. "We came into the event knowing that that was a possibility," Chock explained. "We're mentally and physically prepared." Their resilience and preparation have become a hallmark of their career, as they continue to chase the one prize that has eluded them: individual Olympic gold.
Despite the demanding schedule and formidable field, the Americans remain undaunted. "Our team is incredibly strong, arguably as strong as it's ever been, and I have the utmost faith in them," Chock said. "I'll be proud of them no matter what the outcome is." Bates echoed this confidence, emphasizing their internal focus: "It's just a progression. It's very cliche, but it is our mindset, and it is our approach, and it's how we have stayed focused, and it's how we've been training."
The competition remains fierce. Japan, buoyed by strong performances in other disciplines, and Italy, energized by their own crowd-pleasing routines, are both within striking distance. Canada, with Lajoie and Lagha stepping up in the free dance, is also in the mix for a podium finish. The final day promises high drama, as teams vie for Olympic medals in the remaining segments.
Fans eager to catch every moment of the action can watch live coverage of the figure skating events on Peacock, with select sessions airing on NBC and USA Network. The free dance segment of the team event is scheduled for replay at 2 a.m. ET on USA Network, while the individual ice dance rhythm dance and free dance events will unfold from February 9 to 12.
As the curtain falls on the penultimate day of the team competition, Team USA stands on the brink of another historic achievement. With Chock and Bates leading the charge — undeterred by past controversies or present challenges — the Americans are determined to etch their names deeper into Olympic lore. Tomorrow’s finale will reveal whether their blend of artistry, athleticism, and sheer perseverance will carry them to a second consecutive team gold.