American ice dance icons Madison Chock and Evan Bates have once again etched their names into the history books, capturing a remarkable seventh national title at the US Figure Skating Championships. The victory powerfully positions them as the nation's leading contenders for gold at the upcoming 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina.
A Record-Breaking Performance in Columbus
The seasoned duo delivered a mesmerising free dance set to a pair of songs by Pink Floyd, a performance that earned them an impressive score of 137.85 points. This, combined with their leading score from the rhythm dance, gave them a decisive total of 232.04 points at the event in Columbus, Ohio. Their win breaks the previous record of six US ice dance titles they jointly held with legends Meryl Davis and Charlie White.
Their triumph was not without stiff competition. The rising pair of Christina Carreira and Anthony Ponomarenko claimed the silver medal with a total score of 216.00, while Emilea Zingas and Vadym Kolesnik secured the bronze with 209.88 points. The results highlight both the enduring dominance of Chock and Bates and the emerging talent within American ice dance.
Building Momentum for the Olympic Podium
This latest national crown adds to a formidable collection of accolades for the partnership, which includes the 2023 world championship title. Speaking after their victory, Bates emphasised the significance of this win in their Olympic journey. "It's a really important stepping stone for us," he stated, acknowledging the event as a critical benchmark on the road to Italy.
Chock echoed the sentiment, focusing on the couple's artistic and technical evolution. "We're really proud of the work we put into this programme," she said, highlighting their commitment to refining their craft. The victory in Columbus serves as a powerful statement of intent, proving they remain at the peak of their powers as the next Olympic cycle intensifies.
Looking Ahead to Milan-Cortina 2026
With this record-setting seventh national championship, Chock and Bates have solidified their status as the figureheads of US ice dance. Their experience, consistency, and continued ability to innovate make them formidable opponents on the global stage. All eyes will now be on their preparations for the 2026 Winter Games, where they will aim to convert their world and national success into the ultimate Olympic prize.
The path to Milan-Cortina is long, but this commanding performance in Columbus demonstrates that Madison Chock and Evan Bates are navigating it with unparalleled skill and determination. The American ice dance crown remains firmly in their possession, and their sights are now set on a golden finale in Italy.
