Dynamic duo Madison Chock and Evan Bates are gearing up for their third Olympic appearance. And given their most recent victory at the U.S. Figure Skating Championships, it looks like the two could walk away with shiny Olympic medals.
So, how did Chock’s career begin? And when did her skating partner become her real-life partner? Get all the deets below.
Chock is an American ice dancer, who typically competes with her skating partner, Bates. The 29-year-old, who hails from Torrance, California, is a two-time World medalist, a three-time Grand Prix Final silver medalist, a two-time Four Continents champion and a three-time U.S. national champion. NBD.
Chock’s full name is "Madison La'akea Te-Lan Hall Chock." Per the official Olympics website, La-akea means "sacred light from heaven" and Te-Lan translates to "special or unique orchid."
In response to her victory at the U.S. Figure Skating Championships, Chock said on Instagram, "Still flying high from this unforgettable week in Nashville! We are so honored to be National Champions again and represent Team USA at our 3rd Olympic Games together!! Thank you to everyone for all of your support, we really felt all the love this week.”
Chock started skating when she was just five years old, and there was one particular figure skater who sparked her interest in the Olympic Games: Michelle Kwan.
After seeing Kwan’s routine at the 1998 Nagano Games, Chock tried to replicate her moves in her living room. Per NBC, she said, "[Kwan's] got class, a wicked good work ethic and positive attitude."
When Chock and Bates announced their partnership in 2011, they were strictly professional partners. But over time (five years to be exact), their partnership turned into something more.
In a snippet from the Olympics series On Edge, Bates revealed, “We didn't start dating until we had been skating together for five years already. Eventually, I was just like, 'I love you. I have feelings for you. I would love to be more than skating partners.’” Yep, we’re definitely getting Hallmark vibes.
Per the Olympics website, Chock gushed, “We are together all the time. It's almost like reading my favorite book. I can often see what he's thinking by a single look, and other times he can still take me by surprise, especially with his creative ideas."
The pair have been dating for some time now, but it doesn’t appear that the two have tied the knot.
In October 2021, the couple launched their own podcast, called Unlaced with Chock and Bates. In quick 20-minute episodes, the pair open up about their relationship on and off the ice, as well as their preparation process for the Winter Olympics in Beijing.
We know what we’ll be listening to tonight.
