On Saturday, U.S. ice dancing titans Madison Chock and Evan Bates captivated audiences with a stellar performance set to “Paint it Black” by The Rolling Stones, during the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics.
The seven-time U.S. national champions took the ice for the free dance segment of the team event, achieving their highest score of the season. Their routine, set to an orchestral version of the classic rock song, showcased their exceptional talent and artistry.
Undefeated this season, Chock and Bates soared to the top of the leaderboard with an impressive score of 133.23, securing the maximum 10 points for Team USA by clinching first place in their round.
Their performance followed a world-leading score of 91.06, achieved at the start of the three-day team competition, where the U.S. team is aiming to defend their championship title. The energetic crowd at the Milano Ice Skating Arena was electric as the duo took to the ice.
As Chock and Bates exited the rink, they were met with thunderous applause and cheers from the audience. Their fellow athletes enthusiastically greeted them with high fives and congratulations when their score was revealed.
The two skated off the ice to a roaring cheer and applause. When their score was announced, they were swarmed with high fives and cheers from fellow athletes.
Heading into the last day of the team competition, Team USA leads with 44 points, followed by Japan (39), Italy (37), Canada (35) and Georgia (32).
The Americans have been on a mission ever since the 2022 Beijing Games, where their Olympic triumph was overshadowed by a Russian doping controversy. The investigation into it held their gold medals in limbo for more than two years, until Chock and Bates were part of the squad that finally received them in a ceremony during the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris.
What’s next?
The figure skating team competition concludes Sunday with Pairs Free, Women’s Free and Men’s Free. Coverage begins at 1:15 p.m. Eastern.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
