ST. LOUIS – Madison Chock and Evan Bates are U.S. national champions once again, capturing their record-setting seventh U.S. Figure Skating Championship title.
They clinched the win Saturday, Jan. 10, at the 2026 Prevagen U.S. Figure Skating Championships in St. Louis.
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This was their last competition before heading to the Winter Olympics.
Their winning routine was a flamenco-inspired dance to a version of the Rolling Stones’ “Paint It Black,” from the sci-fi Western show “Westworld.”
They nailed a season-best free skate and scored 228.87 points to take the top spot.
Chock and Bates’ training roots run deep in Michigan.
They developed their skills under coach Igor Shpilband at the Novi Ice Arena, training alongside other top teams.
Although their primary training base later moved to Montreal, their Michigan connections remain a key part of their journey. Bates grew up in Ann Arbor, and Chock graduated from Novi High School.
While it wasn’t a surprise they won, the real test is still ahead.
They’ve steadily improved their Olympic results, from eighth in 2014, ninth in 2018, to fourth in 2022 -- and now they’re the favorites to bring home gold in 2026.
Coming in second were Emilea Zingas and Vadym Kolesnik, who scored 213.65 points. They train under Igor Shpilband, Chock and Bates’ former coach, at the Novi Ice Center.
Christina Carreira and Anthony Ponomarenko took third with 206.95 points.
Both pairs are strong contenders to join Chock and Bates on the U.S. Olympic team.
The championships featured more than 180 athletes competing for national titles.
Other big names included two-time world champion Ilia Malinin, who won his fourth consecutive U.S. men’s title, and Amber Glenn, who claimed the women’s title, edging out reigning world champion Alysa Liu.
This event was the final opportunity to qualify for the U.S. Olympic Figure Skating Team that will represent Team USA.