Veteran Ice Dancers Chock and Bates Embrace Final Olympic Push
Milan, Italy - As they embark on what is likely their final competitive season, ice dance partners Madison Chock, 33, and Evan Bates, 36, are finding renewed recognition for the journey, even as they navigate a generational gap with their younger U.S. teammates. The duo, entering their 15th season together, remains focused on delivering innovative performances ahead of the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan.
Should they reach the top of the podium, Chock and Bates would each become the oldest ice dancer of their respective sex to win Olympic gold. Bates,who will turn 37 just after the Games conclude,will also tie for the most Olympic appearances by a figure skater with five total.
Despite their experience, the pair acknowledges the changing landscape of the sport. “I feel old, but I don’t think about it frequently enough,” Bates said. Chock echoed this sentiment, playfully noting a recent disconnect with teammates Alysa Liu, 20, and Amber Glenn, 26, the two-time reigning U.S. womenS singles champion. “Alysa and Amber were talking about something the other day, and it was like a foreign language to me,” Chock recounted. “I’m like, ‘Are you guys speaking English?’ I don’t understand anything you just said.”
However, age hasn’t diminished their commitment to creativity. Chock and Bates consistently push boundaries with their routines, a philosophy that extends to their costumes, many of which are designed by Chock herself.This season’s free dance features a striking role reversal concept: Bates embodies a bull,while Chock portrays a matador. Her costume includes a flowing black-and-scarlet skirt functioning as a bullfighter’s cape, accented with metallic highlights evoking a “suit of lights.” Bates’ costume is in shades of brown, with bull horns integrated into the sleeve design.
“You can express so much of your personality thru what you wear on the ice,” Chock explained. “That’s what is unique about our sport. As I love design, it just makes sense that I designed what we wear on the ice.”
The pair emphasizes the importance of reinvention after a long career. “We always try to think of something different,” Bates said. “It can be really challenging, especially having a long career.The challenge is like reinvention, not repeating yourself.”
While acknowledging the pressure of competition, Chock and Bates have learned to maintain viewpoint. they approach this Olympic season with a blend of seasoned composure and continued artistic ambition.
