Figure skating – Skate America 2025: Madison Chock and Evan Bates earn record-tying fifth win at home Grand Prix
Madison Chock and Evan Bates have etched their names further into the history books, capturing a remarkable fifth title at Skate America 2025 on Sunday, November 16, in Lake Placid, New York. The dynamic American ice dance duo showcased their skills in front of an enthusiastic home crowd, securing a commanding score of 212.58, which left competitors astounded.
With a victory margin of approximately 15 points over the Canadian team of Marjorie LaJoie and Zachary Lagha, who finished with 197.16, Chock and Bates demonstrated unparalleled technical prowess and artistry throughout their performance. This win at Skate America follows their success at the Cup of China just three weeks earlier, affirming their status as front-runners in the figure skating world.
Their triumph is not just another feather in their cap but also solidifies their position for moments ahead; they’re now set to compete at the Grand Prix Final in Nagoya, Japan, next month, where only the top six teams from each discipline qualify.
Beginning their legacy at Skate America in 2014, the duo has continued to impress, clinching additional titles in 2015, 2022, and 2023. Sunday’s accomplishment marks their ninth Grand Prix gold overall, tying them with fellow American ice dance legends Tanith Belbin and Ben Agosto for five titles.
“Every opportunity that we have to compete lends us new insights and new ways to look at things, and something to take away,” Chock stated in a post-event interview with NBC. Bates elaborated on their potential for improvement: “We can make a lot of improvements in both programs. Especially this free dance—we feel there is great potential for this to be a powerful Olympic free dance.”
Along with them, France’s Evgeniia Lopareva and Geoffrey Brissaud claimed the third spot with a score of 192.61. As the season heats up with upcoming competitions, expect more thrilling performances from these elite figure skaters!
