Madison Chock, Evan Bates win fifth U.S. ice dance title amid illness
An ill Madison Chock and Evan Bates won their fifth U.S. ice dance title.
Chock and Bates, reigning world champions and undefeated since the start of 2023, totaled 215.92 points between Thursday's rhythm dance and Saturday's free dance in Columbus, Ohio.
They prevailed over silver medalists Christina Carreira and Anthony Ponomarenko by 5.88 points, though Bates lost his balance on their first two twizzles in the free dance.
Chock developed flu-like symptoms, including a fever, on Friday. Bates felt the same on Saturday. They made a final decision to compete after their warm-up, about a half-hour before their free dance.
FIGURE SKATING NATIONALS: Results | Broadcast Schedule
Chock, 31, and Bates, 34, were already the oldest U.S. ice dance champions in at least 50 years from their 2023 title. Only 2014 Olympic champions Meryl Davis and Charlie White have won more U.S. ice dance titles (six).
Chock and Bates made more longevity history this year with their 12th consecutive podium together, matching the U.S. record streak for any discipline shared by Michelle Kwan and Theresa Weld Blanchard and Nathaniel Niles, a pairs’ team from the 1910s and ‘20s.
Chock and Bates are expected to lead the three-couple U.S. ice dance team into March's worlds, where they would defend their title at their training base of Montreal.
Nationals continue later Saturday with the pairs' free skate, live on USA Network, NBCSports.com, the NBC Sports app and Peacock for subscribers.
