Madison Chock and Evan Bates Consider Appeal Over Controversial Scoring at Milan Olympics
American ice dancing duo Madison Chock and Evan Bates expressed their disappointment following a controversial scoring decision that resulted in their silver medal finish at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan. The couple lost the gold to French pair Laurence Fournier Beaudry and Guillaume Cizeron amid claims of questionable judging, particularly from French judge Jezabel Dabouis.
"We Would Consider It"
In an interview with Access Hollywood, Chock noted, “I suppose we would consider it.” She emphasized the subjective nature of figure skating, stating, “It is crucial for the judges to be reviewed for their work to ensure a fair and even playing field for all athletes.”
Concerns About Judging Transparency
Chock raised concerns about the need for increased transparency in judging, suggesting a more understandable approach would benefit both viewers and athletes. She further stated, “There’s a lot on the line for the skaters. We deserve to have the judges also giving us their all.”
Scoring Controversy
The controversy stems from the significant disparity in scores given by the judges, especially Dabouis, who favored the French team much more heavily than her counterparts. While some judges provided close scores for both pairs, Dabouis’s score raised eyebrows and led to accusations of bias.
International Skating Union’s Response
The International Skating Union (ISU) has thus far declined to investigate the scoring, asserting their confidence in the judges’ evaluations. They stated, “It is normal for there to be a range of scores given by different judges, and there are mechanisms in place to mitigate these variations.” The ISU insists that they remain committed to fairness and transparency in judging.
Court of Arbitration Stipulations
Time may pose a challenge for Chock and Bates. The Court of Arbitration for Sport previously stated that they hoped disputes would be resolved “within hours” of the competition to maintain the integrity of the event.
Possibility of Gold Medals
Had the French judge’s scoring not been so lopsided, Chock and Bates could have likely clinched the gold instead of their runners-up position. The need for reevaluation of judges’ scores post-competition has been a recurring topic among many in the skating community.
Athletes’ Response
Despite the controversies, Chock and Bates are choosing to focus on their performance rather than the outcome. Bates remarked, “We felt like we delivered our absolute best performance. It was our Olympic moment,” highlighting their commitment to personal excellence.
Conclusion
As the debate continues over the judging ethics in figure skating, Chock and Bates remain hopeful for a reconsideration of their appeal. Advocating for a more transparent judging process may not only impact their situation but also pave the way for a fairer environment in future competitions.
For more information on figure skating scoring and judging, explore ISU’s official page.
