Michigan's Bates and Chock Capture Olympic Gold in Figure Skating

Governor Whitmer celebrates the pair's success in the mixed team event at the 2026 Winter Games

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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Olympic gold medalists Evan Bates and Madison Chock, who have close ties to the state of Michigan, helped the United States defend its team figure skating title at the 2026 Winter Games in Milano-Cortina. Governor Gretchen Whitmer praised the duo's "incredible performance" and said they "made Michigan proud" with their accomplishments.

Why it matters

Bates and Chock's success at the Olympics highlights Michigan's strong figure skating tradition and the state's ability to produce world-class athletic talent. Their gold medal win also showcases the state's continued prominence in winter sports on the global stage.

The details

Bates, who was born and raised in Ann Arbor, and Chock, who moved to Michigan from California, teamed up in 2011 and have since become one of the top ice dancing pairs in the world. At the 2026 Winter Games, they delivered first-place finishes in both the rhythm dance and free dance portions of the mixed team event to help the U.S. secure the gold medal.

  • Bates and Chock won gold in the mixed team figure skating event at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano-Cortina.
  • The duo previously won gold in the same event at the 2022 Winter Olympics.

The players

Evan Bates

A five-time Olympian from Ann Arbor, Michigan who won gold in the mixed team figure skating event at the 2026 and 2022 Winter Games.

Madison Chock

A four-time Olympian who was born in California but moved to Michigan, where she teamed up with Evan Bates in 2011 and won gold in the mixed team figure skating event at the 2026 and 2022 Winter Games.

Gretchen Whitmer

The Governor of Michigan, who celebrated Bates and Chock's Olympic success and said they "made Michigan proud" with their gold medal-winning performances.

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What they’re saying

“Michigan's very own Evan Bates, alongside his partner Madison Chock, heated up the arena with another incredible performance to help the US secure the gold in team figure skating at the #milanocortina2026 Olympic Games. So proud of them!”

— Gretchen Whitmer, Governor of Michigan (Social media)

“From their early days training in Canton and Novi and skating at the University of Michigan, to dominating at the Olympics, this dynamic duo has made Michigan proud.”

— Gretchen Whitmer, Governor of Michigan (Social media)

What’s next

Bates and Chock are expected to continue competing together, with their sights set on the 2030 Winter Olympics.

The takeaway

Bates and Chock's Olympic success underscores Michigan's reputation as a hub for figure skating talent and the state's ability to produce world-class athletes who can compete at the highest levels of their sport.