2026 Olympic Ice Dance Competition Preview & Prediction
Updated July 30, 2026
The ice dance competition at the 2026 Winter Olympics should be an exciting battle in Milan. Skaters will face off in two segments: the rhythm dance followed by the free dance, and only the best performances across both will score a shot at Olympic medals. The US and France are heavy favorites going into this event. Will one of them get it done, or will another country crash the party? Continue reading to get my thoughts and to find my Olympic ice dance prediction below.
One of the most talked-about narratives in ice dance heading into Milan is the potential last Olympic ride for Madison Chock and Evan Bates. The American pair have been a fixture on the world stage for over a decade, capturing multiple national titles and earning consistent podium finishes worldwide. Their performance in the team event rhythm dance delivered an excellent score, placing the U.S. at the top of that segment. They look ready and able to compete for gold in Italy.
On the French front, Laurence Fournier Beaudry and Guillaume Cizeron bring an elite pedigree as European champions and top contenders on the Grand Prix circuit. Their technical mastery and performance quality make them perhaps the only duo capable of outperforming the American favorites. They have long been among the world’s best, and their odds reflect that pedigree.
Another huge story for this event is the lack of a Russian ice dance team due to the current Olympic ban on the Russian and Belarusian federations. That absence opens up the field compared with previous Games and creates a broader set of possibilities for nations like Canada and Italy to find themselves in medal contention. The British team of Lilah Fear and Lewis Gibson also made waves in team competition with a strong rhythm dance score, capturing attention as a potential bronze contender or better.
Madison Chock & Evan Bates (USA) – The focal point of most predictions and odds boards, this duo has the combination of experience, recent competitive success, and consistency that bettors can rely on. A recent world-leading score in the rhythm dance suggests they’re in excellent competitive shape.
Laurence Fournier Beaudry & Guillaume Cizeron (FRA) – With European gold and a Grand Prix Final silver to their name this season, the French team represents the most credible alternative to the American team. Cizeron’s extensive Olympic and world experience, partnered with Fournier Beaudry’s performance strength, will at least give them a chance to win gold. They will be out to prove that they can deliver on the Olympic stage here.
Lilah Fear & Lewis Gibson (GBR) – While far behind the top two teams in betting markets, Fear and Gibson have shown they can produce competitive results on the Olympic stage. Their rhythm dance performance in the team competition was among the best outside the leading nations and illustrates their capacity to exceed expectations.
Piper Gilles & Paul Poirier (CAN) – Canada’s entry could find itself in the battle for a podium position if they bring their best. Their odds suggest longshot potential in the hunt for gold, but the lack of a Russian team makes Canada a contender for silver or bronze.
Guignard/Fabbri (ITA) and Zingas/Kolesnik (USA) – These teams round out the broader field of medal contenders. The Italian pairing will enjoy the home-ice crowd advantage, while Zingas/Kolesnik have shown the potential for top form during qualifying rounds.
Pick: Chock/Bates to win gold ATS PRO
Confidence: 4.5 out of 5
Favoring the Chock/Bates duo is a decision I'm making based on current results and consistent scoring trends. Their performance in the Milan team event’s rhythm dance was excellent, delivering a score that eclipsed many of the season’s best efforts. This early indicator provides a snapshot of how they’re handling the Olympic stage and sets expectations high for the individual ice dance event.
The French challengers are likely to push them hard, and their odds reflect that threat. But the Americans’ proven track record give them a margin of safety that I value here. I'll go with Team USA to grab the gold here, with Chock and Bates outperforming the field to get the glory for the American delegation.
Jay Sanin is the GM and Head of Sports at ATS.io. He has been writing about sports gambling since 2013, handicapping tens of thousands of sporting events. He plays sides and totals aggressively across most sports and is more selective in player prop markets. He does his own modeling across most sports, and his family is jealous of how much time he spends on his precious spreadsheets.
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