Full Breakdown
Chock and Bates Chase Gold as Fournier Beaudry and Cizeron Lead in Rhythm Dance
2/10/2026, 5:10:07 PM
Overview of the Competition
At the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, Madison Chock and Evan Bates, the three-time world champions from the United States, find themselves in a tight race for the ice dance gold medal. After a strong performance in the rhythm dance segment, they scored 89.72 points, placing them second behind France's Laurence Fournier Beaudry and Guillaume Cizeron, who earned 90.18 points. The competition is set to culminate with the free dance on Wednesday night.
Key Performances and Scores
Chock and Bates skated last in the rhythm dance, showcasing a Lenny Kravitz-inspired routine that was praised for its speed and clarity. Despite their strong performance, a minor mistake on their pattern step cost them the lead. They had previously scored a world-leading 91.06 points during the team competition, where they helped secure a gold medal for the U.S. team. In third place, Canadian duo Piper Gilles and Paul Poirier scored 86.18 points, closely trailing the leaders.
Fournier Beaudry and Cizeron, who only recently formed their partnership, delivered a technically impressive routine inspired by Madonna's "Vogue." Their performance marked a significant achievement, as it was only their fifth international event together. Cizeron, a former Olympic champion, expressed satisfaction with their performance, stating, “We really tried to skate as best as we could.”
Background and Context
Fournier Beaudry's transition to competing for France came after her former partner, Nikolaj Sorensen, was banned for allegations of sexual maltreatment, a suspension that has since been overturned. Cizeron has faced scrutiny due to allegations made by his former partner Gabriella Papadakis in her memoir, which he has denied, calling it a "smear campaign." Despite these controversies, the new duo has focused on their performances, aiming to create a positive environment for their skating.
Official Statements & Responses
Chock expressed confidence in their preparation, stating, “We’re not changing anything. We’ve got this locked in.” Bates added, “We feel like our approach has been great, and we wouldn’t change anything about what we’ve done thus far.” Fournier Beaudry emphasized their focus on the moment, saying, “We’re really creating a bubble between the two of us and our coaches.”
Criticism & Opposition
While the performances were generally well-received, some critics noted that Chock and Bates' minor error on their pattern step could be detrimental in such a competitive field. Additionally, the controversies surrounding Fournier Beaudry and Cizeron have raised questions about their focus and stability as a new team.
What's Next
The free dance segment will take place on Wednesday night, where Chock and Bates will aim to reclaim the lead and secure their first Olympic gold medal in individual competition. The outcome will be closely watched, as both teams have demonstrated exceptional talent and resilience throughout the competition.
