US Olympic skating stars considering appeal of judge's scoring that denied them gold
The judging decision has come under scrutiny by fans
By Jackson Thompson Fox News
Published February 13, 2026 6:31am EST
American figure skating couple Madison Chock and Evan Bates would consider appealing the scoring in the recent Olympic ice dancing final that delivered them silver, while French rivals were awarded gold.
Chock was asked if they would consider appealing in an interview with Access Hollywood.
"I suppose we would consider it. I think skating is such a subjective sport, but I do think that for fairness it is good when the judges are reviewed for their work. Not just after this competition but every competition to just make sure there’s a fair and even playing field for all athletes," Chock said.
"We did everything we could. We wouldn’t have changed a single thing about our performance – or any of our performances or how we approached the week. We’re super proud of the work that we put in – we left no stone unturned, so we can leave the Games feeling satisfied and accomplished with ourselves."
The couple was looking to win gold, but came in second to the French duo of Laurence Fournier Beaudry and Guillaume Cizeron.
A French judge graded Beaudry and Cizeron higher than Chock and Bates, which ultimately helped thrust the French team to gold over the Americans. The judging has been the topic of controversy on social media, with some arguing that Chock and Bates should have graded higher.
Chock and Bates were trailing the French couple by 0.46 of a point entering the free dance Wednesday night, and they were searching for their first ice dance Olympic medal with hopes that it would obviously be gold.
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https://www.foxnews.com/sports/us-olympic-skating-stars-considering-appeal-judges-scoring-denied-them-gold
