Olympic Power Couple's Mothers Share Their Experiences

The parents of skaters Madison Chock and Evan Bates discuss the dedication and sacrifices required for their children to reach the highest level of competition.

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

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The mothers of Olympic skaters Madison Chock and Evan Bates, who are married and the reigning world champions, have expressed pride and relief following their children's performances. Nancy Bates and Barbara Chock discussed the years of intense dedication, strict routines, and sacrifices the couple has made to prepare for the Olympics, including foregoing family vacations for nearly three years. The parents highlighted the extreme discipline required for elite skating and the contrasting emotions they experience while watching their children compete.

Why it matters

The story provides a behind-the-scenes look at the dedication and sacrifices required for elite athletes to reach the highest levels of competition, as well as the emotional journey their families experience. It highlights the close-knit relationship between the two mothers and the support they provide each other as their children pursue their Olympic dreams.

The details

Chock and Bates, who are married, are currently competing for a spot on the Olympic podium. Their mothers, Nancy Bates and Barbara Chock, discussed the years of intense dedication and strict routines required for the athletes to reach this level. The couple trains in Montreal and has spent the last several years focused on their preparation, often foregoing family vacations to maintain their competitive edge. The parents described the contrasting emotions they experience while watching their children compete, with Nancy often feeling anxious while Barbara remains calm. The athletes' daily lives are defined by a strict routine that includes early bedtimes and limited visits to family homes in Palm Springs or Michigan.

  • The couple has not taken a family vacation in nearly three years.
  • Chock and Bates are the reigning world champions and are currently competing for a spot on the Olympic podium.

The players

Madison Chock

An Olympic skater who is married to Evan Bates and is the reigning world champion.

Evan Bates

An Olympic skater who is married to Madison Chock and is the reigning world champion.

Nancy Bates

The mother of Evan Bates, an Olympic skater.

Barbara Chock

The mother of Madison Chock, an Olympic skater.

Henry and Stella

The two dogs that the couple travels and trains with.

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What they’re saying

“Well, she's calm... she'll pat me on the leg and go, 'they're fine, they'll be fine'. I'm just a wreck and she's just cool.”

— Nancy Bates, Mother of Evan Bates (ksn.com)

“I was just so happy for them. And then it just, you feel such relief.”

— Barbara Chock, Mother of Madison Chock (ksn.com)

“Stella's is really cute because her tongue's hanging out because she has no teeth.”

— Barbara Chock, Mother of Madison Chock (ksn.com)

What’s next

The couple is currently competing for a spot on the Olympic podium, with the final results to be determined in the coming days.

The takeaway

The story highlights the immense dedication, sacrifice, and emotional journey that elite athletes and their families experience in pursuit of Olympic glory. It underscores the close-knit support system that helps power couples like Chock and Bates achieve their dreams on the world stage.