World champs Chock and Bates dazzle with Lenny Kravitz-inspired dance, lead U.S. Championships
January 8, 2026
Madison Chock and Evan Bates have taken a big lead at the U.S. Figure Skating Championships with a Lenny Kravitz-inspired rhythm dance. They’re chasing a record seventh ice dance title. The three-time defending world champions scored a season-best 91.70 points. Emilea Zingas and Vadym Kolesnik are second with 85.98 points. The men’s short program is later Thursday with Ilia Malinin, the two-time reigning world champion, beginning his pursuit of a fourth consecutive national championship. The first medals will be awarded Friday night after the pairs and women’s free skates.