Chock, Bates Lead U.S. Figure Skating Championships Ahead of Free Dance

At the U.S. Figure Skating Championships in Wichita, Madison Chock and Evan Bates took a commanding lead in the rhythm dance with a score of 92.16 points, aiming for their fourth consecutive national title and a record-tying sixth overall. Ellie Kam and Danny O'Shea also made a strong case for the Olympic team by scoring 77.19 points in the pairs short program, leading by over eight points going into the free skate. Alysa Liu made a triumphant return to competitive skating, matching her previous best score with an emotional performance in the women's short program. The championships are crucial not only for national titles but also for determining the U.S. team for the upcoming Winter Olympics and World Championships, set to occur in Boston. The event showcased a mix of seasoned champions and rising stars, with significant performances throughout all categories. The competition continues with the free skates scheduled for Saturday and Sunday.