Madison Chock, Evan Bates and everything you need to know about ice skating

Chock and Bates seek elusive individual medal

The married seven-time US champions finished just 0.4 points behind French rivals Guillaume Cizeron and Laurence Fournier Beaudry, positioning them for their first individual Olympic podium after finishing fourth in Beijing.

French rivals face partnership controversies

Cizeron and Fournier Beaudry have only competed together for one year and face scrutiny from former partners, including a tell-all book accusing Cizeron of controlling behavior and allegations against Fournier Beaudry's former partner.

'90s musical theme dominated the rhythm dance

Competitors performed to Lenny Kravitz, George Michael, and Backstreet Boys with era-specific fashion including crimped hair, sequins, and denim.

Ice dance differs fundamentally from pairs skating

While ice dance emphasizes ballroom-style synchronization and 'twizzles' (travelling spins in unison), pairs skating features acrobatic lifts and dangerous moves like the 'death spiral'.

Malinin lands first legal Olympic backflip in 50 years

American Ilia Malinin became the first skater to legally execute a backflip at the Olympics in five decades, drawing massive attention to the men's individual competition.

Creative program themes showcase personality

France's Kevin Aymoz performs to Lady Gaga while a Spanish skater debuts his viral 'Despicable Me' Minion routine, adding theatrical flair to technical competition.

Canadian skater leverages Olympic status for homework extension

Madeline Schizas successfully requested a deadline extension from her professor by attaching her official Olympic roster documentation as proof of her qualification.

Chloe Kim targets historic three-peat

Seeking her third consecutive Olympic gold in women's halfpipe, Kim returns from a shoulder labrum injury to lead a stacked team including 19-year-old B Kim and Maddie Mastro, who shifted her mindset to prioritize fun over competitiveness.

Former plumber Maddie Schaffrick completes unlikely comeback

After burning out and quitting the sport at age 20 to try plumbing and coaching youth riders, Schaffrick rediscovered her passion and qualified for her first Olympics.

Veterans defy age in snowboard cross

Nick Baumgartner competes in his 40s against athletes half his age in the mixed team snowboard cross event, while Faye Gulini returns from retirement for her fifth Olympics to compete before her children.

Japan and Korea present formidable challenges

Strong international competition includes Japan's Sena Tomita and Mitsuki Ono, along with Korean contenders who have dominated professional halfpipe contests, potentially disrupting American medal hopes.