Key Highlights
- Madison Chock and Evan Bates are on the cusp of a record-tying fifth title at Skate America.
- The duo built a seven-point lead over Marjorie LaJoie and Zachary Lagha in Saturday’s rhythm dance performance.
- Chock/Bates, three-time world champions, have secured eight Grand Prix golds overall.
- They are closing in on qualifying for next month’s Grand Prix Final in Nagoya, Japan.
The Road to a Record-Equalling Fifth Title at Skate America
Saturday’s rhythm dance performance saw Madison Chock and Evan Bates of the United States claim a commanding lead in the 2025 Skate America competition. With their score of 84.77, they have set themselves on a path to achieve what many consider an unprecedented feat: a record-tying fifth title at this prestigious event. This achievement would match Tanith Belbin and Benjamin Agosto’s historical mark, setting Chock and Bates as the latest in a long line of champions who have made their mark in figure skating.
Building on Previous Success
The American duo first won Skate America back in 2014. Since then, they have added further crowns to their collection in 2015, 2022, and 2023. Their impressive track record has not only solidified their status as one of the sport’s most consistent performers but also as a formidable force at the Grand Prix level. This year’s performance at Skate America is particularly significant given the duo’s aspirations to compete in next month’s Grand Prix Final in Nagoya, Japan.
Chock and Bates’ Dominant Performance
The rhythm dance program performed by Chock/Bates was met with a warm reception from the Lake Placid crowd. Their performance of Lenny Kravitz’s medley earned them top scores across both technical and artistic elements, further cementing their dominance in this particular discipline. Despite facing stiff competition, including France’s Evgeniia Lopareva and Geoffrey Brissaud sitting in third place at 76.72, and the USA’s Christina Carreira and Anthony Ponomarenko struggling to fifth with a score of 72.74, Chock/Bates maintained their position at the top.
A Legacy of Success
Madison Chock and Evan Bates are not only aiming for history but also preparing for the future. They have already made it to three Olympic Games as a team, with their highest individual placing being fourth at Beijing 2022. As reigning three-time world champions, they carry the weight of expectations on their shoulders. Their Montreal-based coaching team has played a crucial role in guiding them towards this moment, emphasizing the importance of experience and preparation for future competitions.
“We’ve made a lot of improvements since Cup of China,” Chock, 33, said during an interview with reporters. “We performed those really well today, and so I’m just really proud of how we skated and how we enjoyed the moment together.” This statement reflects their commitment to continuous improvement and the strong bond that has developed between them over many years.
As they look towards the future, including their fourth Olympic cycle in Milan 2026, Chock and Bates are determined to bring all of their accumulated experience forward. “I think we’ve learned so much and gained so much from each experience,” she added. “We’ve really built upon every season, and I think there’s so much value that we take from each event.” Their journey is a testament to the dedication required in professional sports and serves as an inspiration to aspiring athletes everywhere.
