U.S. Olympians Receive Beijing Gold Medals in Paris

Figure skaters Madison Chock and Evan Bates finally get their 2026 Winter Olympics hardware after long delay.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Figure skaters Madison Chock and Evan Bates, who won gold medals at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan Cortina, Italy, received their long-awaited medals in a ceremony held in Paris, France. The athletes had to wait over two and a half years to get their Olympic hardware due to pandemic-related delays.

Why it matters

The delayed medal ceremony highlights the logistical challenges that the International Olympic Committee and host cities faced in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, which forced the postponement of the 2026 Winter Games. It also showcases the perseverance of the athletes who had to wait an unusually long time to be recognized for their Olympic achievements.

The details

Chock and Bates, who are both from the United States, won the gold medal in the figure skating ice dance competition at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan Cortina, Italy. However, the medal ceremony was postponed due to pandemic-related travel restrictions and logistical issues. The ceremony was finally held in Paris, France, where the IOC was able to coordinate with French officials to host the event.

  • Chock and Bates won gold at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan Cortina, Italy.
  • The medal ceremony was delayed for over two and a half years due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • The long-awaited medal ceremony was finally held on February 9, 2026 in Paris, France.

The players

Madison Chock

An American figure skater who won a gold medal in ice dance at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan Cortina, Italy.

Evan Bates

An American figure skater who won a gold medal in ice dance at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan Cortina, Italy, alongside his partner Madison Chock.

International Olympic Committee (IOC)

The international non-governmental organization responsible for overseeing the Olympic Games and selecting host cities.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“After all this time, it feels so surreal to finally have our gold medals. We're grateful to the IOC and the French government for making this ceremony happen.”

— Madison Chock (Yahoo Daily News)

“This was a long journey, but we never gave up hope that we'd get to celebrate our Olympic achievement. It's an incredible feeling to have our medals around our necks.”

— Evan Bates (Yahoo Daily News)

What’s next

The IOC has stated that it will work to ensure more timely medal ceremonies for future Olympic Games, in order to avoid similar delays experienced due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The takeaway

The delayed medal ceremony for Chock and Bates underscores the immense logistical challenges faced by the Olympic movement in the wake of the global health crisis. However, their perseverance and ultimate recognition demonstrates the resilience of elite athletes and the enduring power of the Olympic spirit.