Team USA's Figure Skating Duo Chock and Bates Set Early Pace With Season-Best Rhythm Dance at Milano Cortina 2026

Madison Chock and Evan Bates provided Team USA with the perfect start to the figure skating team event on Thursday, delivering a mesmerizing rhythm dance that earned a season-best score of 91.06 points at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics. The American ice dance duo's technically precise and artistically captivating performance set the tone for what would become a dominant first day for the United States in one of the Games' most prestigious events.

The three-time U.S. champions skated with remarkable chemistry and polish, executing their routine with the confidence of seasoned Olympic veterans. Their near-flawless program featured intricate footwork sequences, perfectly synchronized twizzles, and expressive interpretation that captivated both judges and the enthusiastic Italian crowd. The 91.06 score represented not only their highest mark of the season but also established them as the rhythm dance leaders heading into the free dance portion of the competition.

Team USA's strong position was further bolstered by Alysa Liu's impressive performance in the women's short program, where she secured the second-best score of 74.90 points. Liu's technical prowess and competitive maturity shone through as she landed her jumps cleanly and demonstrated marked improvement in her presentation scores. Only Japan's Kaori Sakamoto, who posted 78.88 points, finished ahead of the American skater in the women's event.

After the completion of Day 1 competition, which included the rhythm dance, pairs' short program, and women's short program, the United States held a narrow lead with 25 points. Japan sat in second place with 23 points, followed closely by Italy with 22 points in front of their home crowd. Georgia surprised many observers by claiming fourth place with 20 points, while traditional powerhouse Canada found themselves in fifth with 19 points after a somewhat disappointing opening day.

The figure skating team event has become one of the marquee attractions of the Winter Olympics since its introduction, offering fans the opportunity to see multiple disciplines compete in a condensed format. The event showcases the depth of each nation's figure skating program and creates dramatic team dynamics that differ from the individual competitions. For Team USA, the strong start positions them well for potential medal contention, though significant competition remains ahead.

Great Britain's Lilah Fear and Lewis Gibson also made their mark by finishing third in the rhythm dance with a solid performance that keeps British medal hopes alive. The competition continues with the men's short program, pairs' free skate, and ice dance free dance in the coming days, with the United States looking to maintain their advantage over a talented international field vying for Olympic glory in the Italian Alps.