In a masterclass of grace and technical precision, Madison Chock and Evan Bates claimed their seventh U.S. National Title on Saturday night in St. Louis. With this victory, the veteran duo has officially stepped out of the shadows of giants, surpassing the record previously held by legends Meryl Davis and Charlie White.

A Record-Breaking Performance

Skating at the Enterprise Center, the husband-and-wife team proved they are in a league of their own. Performing to a haunting, flamenco-inspired rendition of “Paint It Black,” they commanded the ice with a level of maturity that left the audience in a standing ovation.

• The Final Tally: A massive 228.87 points, winning the gold by a staggering 15-point margin.
• The Milestone: Their 7th title makes them the most successful ice dance team in the history of U.S. Figure Skating.
• The Momentum: This win marks their fourth consecutive national title, a streak that began in 2023.

The Road to Milano Cortina 2026

While the national title is a historic milestone, the eyes of Chock and Bates are firmly fixed on Italy. Having already secured Olympic Team Gold in 2022, the Individual Olympic Gold Medal is the final piece of the puzzle for their trophy case.

“We are skating with a different kind of freedom this year,” Bates said following the free dance. “We know this is likely our final chapter, and we want to leave everything on the ice.”

At 33 and 36, Chock and Bates are defying the traditional “age limits” of the sport. Their longevity is not just a testament to their fitness, but to their ability to reinvent their style year after year.

U.S. Ice Dance: The Final Standings

What’s Next?

The U.S. Figure Skating Association is expected to officially name the Olympic roster today, Sunday, January 11. Chock and Bates will lead a powerhouse American squad into the 2026 Winter Games, carrying the hopes of a nation looking for its first individual ice dance gold since 2014.

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