MILAN, Italy — In a historic conclusion to a legendary career, American ice dancer Evan Bates has been selected as one of the two flag bearers to lead Team USA into the Closing Ceremony of the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics today, February 22, 2026.
Bates, 36, shares the prestigious honor with women’s hockey captain Hilary Knight. The selection, voted on by fellow Team USA athletes, recognizes Bates’ unprecedented longevity and contributions to the sport. He is the first American figure skater to compete in five different Winter Olympic Games, a journey that began in Vancouver in 2010.
A Bittersweet Silver Amid Scoring Controversy
The 2026 Games proved to be a rollercoaster for Bates and his partner and wife, Madison Chock. The duo captured a silver medal in the ice dance competition earlier this month, falling just 1.43 points shy of the gold medal won by France’s Laurence Fournier Beaudry and Nikolaj Sørensen.
The result was not without drama. A scoring controversy erupted involving a French judge, leading to widespread debate within the figure skating community regarding judging bias. Despite the “curious scoring” noted by analysts, U.S. Figure Skating announced six days ago that it would not formally appeal the results, finalizing the silver for Chock and Bates. Chock has since publicly called for more rigorous vetting of Olympic judges to ensure transparency in the sport.
The Legacy of an American Icon
Born in Ann Arbor, Michigan, Bates began skating at age four. Over a career spanning three decades, he has cemented his status as one of the most decorated ice dancers in U.S. history. His accolades include:
- Five-Time Olympian: 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022, and 2026.
- Three-Time Olympic Medalist: Including a team gold and his first individual ice dance medal (silver) in 2026.
- World Record Holder: Achieved the highest-ever rhythm dance and free dance scores at the 2023 World Team Trophy.
- Seven-Time U.S. Champion: A dominant force in domestic competition with 14 total national medals.
Closing a Chapter in Milan
The Closing Ceremony marks a poignant moment for the “husband and wife duo.” While the pair entered these games eyeing double gold, their resilient performance in the face of injury history and recent scoring hurdles has earned them immense respect from the international community.
“I can’t wait to lead the charge,” Bates said following the announcement of his selection as flag bearer. The moment was captured in an emotional video where Chock surprised him with the news during a practice session for the figure skating exhibition gala, which took place yesterday, February 21.
As the Olympic flame is extinguished in Milan tonight, Evan Bates exits the competitive stage not just as a champion, but as a standard-bearer for American excellence and sportsmanship.