Evan Bates' Parents: All About the Olympic Figure Skater's Dad Eric and Mom Nancy

Ahead of the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics, Evan Bates' dad said he feels "excitement, anticipation and anxiety" for the figure skater

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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Evan Bates, an Olympic figure skater who partners with his wife Madison Chock, was born to parents Eric and Nancy Bates in Ann Arbor, Michigan. As Evan has grown in the figure skating world, his parents have continued to support him on and off the ice. Ahead of the Winter Games, Eric said the next two weeks would be marked by "peak excitement, anticipation and anxiety" for the parents who have been on this 25-year journey with them.

Why it matters

Evan Bates and his skating partner and wife Madison Chock are making history at the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics, representing a testament to their sustained excellence as elite athletes. Their parents' perspective on the experience provides insight into the emotional journey of supporting an Olympic athlete.

The details

Evan Bates was born on February 23, 1989 in Ann Arbor, Michigan to parents Eric and Nancy Bates. Eric is an interventional cardiologist at the University of Michigan Health Frankel Cardiovascular Center, while Nancy is a visual artist and real estate developer. In addition to Evan, they have two other children, Alexis and Andrew. Evan's sister Alexis was a competitive freestyle skater, which ultimately led Evan to become one as well. Nancy is also close friends with Madison Chock's mother, Barbara.

  • Evan Bates was born on February 23, 1989 in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
  • Evan Bates received his bachelor's degree in organizational studies from the University of Michigan in 2013.
  • Ahead of the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics, Eric Bates expressed feeling "peak excitement, anticipation and anxiety" for the next two weeks.

The players

Evan Bates

An Olympic figure skater who partners with his wife Madison Chock.

Eric Bates

Evan Bates' father, an interventional cardiologist at the University of Michigan Health Frankel Cardiovascular Center.

Nancy Bates

Evan Bates' mother, a visual artist and real estate developer.

Alexis Bates

Evan Bates' older sister, who was a competitive freestyle skater.

Andrew Bates

Evan Bates' older brother, who played soccer, golf and baseball.

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What they’re saying

“Evan and Madi are making history in these games, a testament to sustained excellence as elite athletes. I could not be prouder and am excited to be there supporting them.”

— Eric Bates, Evan Bates' father (University of Michigan)

“The athletes are trained psychologically and emotionally and physically, and when they get out there, they click into competition mode, muscle memory, they get going, but the parents don't have that benefit.”

— Eric Bates, Evan Bates' father (Conversations with Sports Fans podcast)

“The stress on the parents is underappreciated, I think. It grows with each success because the expectations are higher.”

— Eric Bates, Evan Bates' father (Conversations with Sports Fans podcast)

“I think if we were in high school together, we would have been friends. I would have said, 'Hey, I got a boy,' ... and you would have said, 'Hey, I got a girl!'”

— Nancy Bates, Evan Bates' mother (NBC)

“I'm always calm, whereas she'll sometimes take a couple beta blockers, which takes the edge off.”

— Barbara Chock, Madison Chock's mother (Conversations with Sports Fans podcast)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This story highlights the emotional journey and unwavering support of Evan Bates' parents, Eric and Nancy, as they have witnessed their son's rise to Olympic glory alongside his skating partner and wife, Madison Chock. Their perspective sheds light on the unique challenges and immense pride experienced by the parents of elite athletes.