Photo credit Cynthia Slawter Photography/U.S. Figure Skating
By Abby Farrell
The Fall 2025 issue of SKATING magazine hit mailboxes this week. Here are five stories to check out.
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A Legacy of Elegant Perseverance: Chock and Bates Primed for Olympic Season
After skating together for 15 years, Madison Chock and Evan Bates continue to redefine excellence in ice dance as they enter the Olympic season with a new flamenco-inspired free dance. With six U.S. titles, three World golds and an Olympic team event gold to their name, the married duo remains driven not by medals but by a passion for reinventing and reimagining what they can create on the ice. From overcoming early career setbacks and injuries to becoming symbols of creativity and perseverance, Chock and Bates have built a legacy that inspires others. As they prepare for the Olympic Winter Games, they’re aiming higher than ever, ready to give their most ambitious performances yet.
Desert Storm: Kalnicky, Ice Denettes Heating Things up in Arizona
When Jaime Kalnicky first discovered synchronized skating, she barely knew the discipline existed. Just a few years later, she has built the Ice Denettes into a successful program in Arizona with 13 teams, 150 skaters and a community that’s redefining what’s possible for skating in the desert. From setbacks caused by the COVID-19 pandemic to competing at the U.S. Synchronized Skating Championships, Kalnicky’s hard work — along with help from synchronized skating veterans — has sparked a synchronized skating movement that’s bringing together families, inspiring young athletes and bringing new energy to the ice.
The Olympic Dream: Malinin Taking it Month by Month
As the two-time World champion and favorite to win Olympic gold, Ilia Malinin enters the 2025-26 season with all eyes on him, but he’s keeping his goals simple: take it one step at a time. Fresh off an undefeated 2024–25 campaign and a history-making performance at the U.S. Championships that saw him become the first athlete to successfully land all six types of quadruple jumps in one program, the “Quadg0d” is once again chasing perfection this season with an ambitious seven-quad layout. Between fine-tuning his programs, mentoring rising stars like Junior Grand Prix Final champion Jacob Sanchez and connecting with fans on social media, Malinin is balancing the pressure of Olympic expectations with calm confidence and taking advantage of a new perspective.
Remembering Lynn Benson
Lynn Benson’s legacy on and off the ice continues to inspire generations of skaters, even after her passing on Aug. 7, 2025, following a long battle with Alzheimer’s. As the founder of the storied Haydenettes and a trailblazer for synchronized skating, Benson led her teams to 15 U.S. titles, top-five finishes at the ISU World Synchronized Skating Championships and became the first synchronized skating coach named coach of the year by both U.S. Figure Skating and the Professional Skaters Association. But her influence stretched far beyond medals, shaping athletes into respected coaches, officials and judges. Known for her creativity and being quiet but daring, Benson transformed the sport she loved and the lives of those she touched. Those close to Benson share stories of her incredible life and legacy.
Earth, Wind and Fire: Hirano Takes Mother Nature Program to the Top
Koko Hirano brought Mother Nature to the ice at 2025 National Showcase, earning her second consecutive Parade of Champions title. Incorporating sounds of thunder, rain and birds into her skate to “Clair de Lune,” Hirano’s program earned a perfect score of 60.00. Hirano discusses what it means to secure her second title, the positive impact of competing in Showcase and the unique trip she took to celebrate her win. The competition, held at Suburban Ice Arena in Rochester, Michigan, July 28-Aug. 2, featured 673 solos, 198 teams and a record 1,997 starts.
