SKATING: Chock and Bates dance into lead at US Championships

Madison Chock and Evan Bates moved into position to win a record seventh ice dance title at the U.S. Figure Skating Championships on Thursday with a rhythm dance performance that highlighted why they are the gold medal favorites at next month’s Winter Olympics.

Dancing to a medley of Lenny Kravitz hits, the married couple showcased their fluidity, connection, and strong rotational lifts—elements they hope will deliver them their first Olympic gold medal in their discipline.

Both of their mothers were in the stands in St. Louis, shedding tears of joy after the performance, which earned a score of 91.70 from the judges. That put them ahead of Emilea Zingas and Vadym Kolesnik, who scored 85.98, and Christina Carreira and Anthony Ponomarenko, who earned 83.29, with the free dance set for Saturday.

The top three finishers at the Championships will earn spots on the U.S. team for the Milano Cortina Games.

“It has been the best journey. I remember the day Maddie said she wanted to skate with me—it was one of the best days of my life,” said Bates, who won gold with Chock in the team event at the Beijing Olympics four years ago.

“But I don’t think either of us ever imagined we would continue for 15 years, get married, and go for a seventh title. It’s all been the most rewarding journey.”

The three-time world champions have indicated that next month’s Games, which will be the pair’s fourth Olympics, could be their last.

-Reporting by Rory Carroll in Los Angeles; Editing by Peter Rutherford/Reuters