Olympic ice dancers Madison Chock and Evan Bates have shared insights into their lives following their remarkable success at the 2026 Winter Olympics, where they won both silver and gold medals. The couple recently attended the Figure Skating in Harlem Igniting Dreams Gala on May 18, where they spoke exclusively with PEOPLE about their achievements and future plans.
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Chock and Bates have been on a whirlwind tour since their Olympic triumph, performing as part of the Stars on Ice show across various locations in the United States. Chock, aged 33, expressed her exhilaration about the extensive travel, stating, “It has been an absolute whirlwind. We have just been traveling with Stars on Ice doing shows all over the country.” After starting their performances on the East Coast, they are now entertaining audiences in the West, embracing the opportunity to unwind for a few days and support the Skating in Harlem initiative.
While their dedication to ice skating remains strong, the pair is also eager to carve out more personal time as summer approaches. With their wedding anniversary in June, Bates, 37, revealed that their primary focus this year will be on celebrating milestone events within their family, specifically his parents’ 50th wedding anniversary. “We’re going to go up to Mackinac Island, which is an island in Michigan. No motorized vehicles, just horse-drawn carriages and bikes. We’re going to go as a family and that will be our vacation this summer,” he explained.
As they look towards the future, both Chock and Bates are excited about the prospect of building a life together that extends beyond the rigours of competition. Chock shared her hopes for more leisurely travel, noting, “We would love to travel some more, more for leisure less for competition and just look forward and start building a life together.”
Bates echoed this sentiment, revealing their desire to continue skating while also embracing a break from the intense pressure of Olympic training. “Definitely on the ice,” he assured when asked about their future in skating. He acknowledged that the current phase of their careers, filled with Stars on Ice performances, is enjoyable, allowing them to take a step back from the rigorous demands of Olympic competition. “It’s exciting, scary, and all of the above,” he added.
Reflecting on their Olympic experience in Milan, Chock identified their performances as the standout moments of the Games. “Just being able to deliver what we worked so hard to accomplish and being able to accomplish those goals on Olympic ice was a dream come true,” she remarked, emphasising the dedication they put into those performances.
As they navigate life after the Olympics, Chock and Bates are keen to cherish both their personal milestones and their accomplishments on the ice. Their commitment to each other and their craft remains evident, with plans to pursue competitive opportunities while prioritising their relationship and family connections.
The couple’s journey continues to inspire many, as they balance the glamour of their performances with the warmth of familial relationships. Chock and Bates have demonstrated that their love for skating is matched only by their appreciation for the experiences and milestones that life brings outside the rink. As they prepare for their summer vacation and beyond, fans will surely be watching to see what exciting steps they take next.