The Ice-Cold Crush That Melted Hearts (And Ice)
So, Bates and Chock, right? They were first partnered up for the 2011-2012 season. Think about that for a second. That’s a long time to spend with someone, training day in and day out, pushing each other, falling (literally, I guess, in their line of work). And you’re basically in a very intense, very public, very physical relationship without it being romantic. That’s a tightrope walk if I’ve ever heard of one.
But here’s where it gets interesting – and if I’m being honest, pretty darn cute. Bates apparently had a crush on Chock way back when they were teens. A teen crush. That lasted. Through years of professional partnership. I don’t know about you, but that speaks volumes. Most of us can barely remember who we crushed on last week, let alone holding onto that feeling for someone you see every single day, working your butt off with. He told Us Weekly, in 2018, that they “just really fell in love on the ice and grew closer together” after starting to date in 2017. So, that crush finally bloomed, like, six years into their professional partnership. That’s some serious slow burn, folks. This wasn’t some quick spark; this was a simmering, underlying connection that finally couldn’t be ignored. And frankly, that’s way more compelling than some whirlwind romance, isn’t it? It feels… earned.
When Work is Life, and Life is Love
The thing is, for elite athletes, especially in a sport like figure skating where you’re so intimately connected to your partner, the lines between work and life are blurrier than a triple axel in a snowstorm. They spend hours upon hours together, perfecting every move, every lift, every facial expression. They literally have to anticipate each other’s next breath. You’d think that kind of intensity would either make or break you, right? And usually, if it’s not romantic, it breaks you. Or at least makes you want to pull your hair out. But for these two, it seems like it just forged a deeper bond. Bates talks about loving her “personality” and “zest for life.” Which, yeah, that’s what you want in a partner. But to see that, and feel that, after years of intense training together? That’s special. That’s not just a “love at first sight” thing; it’s a “love that grew through sweat and tears and probably a few arguments about technique” kind of thing.
So, How Does Olympic Gold Impact Date Night?
This is where it gets real, though. When your entire existence revolves around going for the gold, what does that do to a relationship? You’d think it’d be all glamorous dinners and jet-setting, right? Nope. Not even close. Bates gave Us Weekly a peek behind the curtain, and honestly, it sounds exhausting, but also kinda sweet.
“When we’re training, we sort of lead kind of quiet lives. We stay home a lot and we go to bed early!”
I mean, can you imagine? Being at the absolute pinnacle of your sport, dating your partner, and your idea of a wild night is… early bedtime. This is where the human element really shines through for me. It’s not about being superstars all the time. It’s about the grind. It’s about the sacrifices. And it’s about finding comfort and connection in the quiet moments when everything else is loud and demanding. You probably think, “But they’re Olympians! They must have exciting lives!” And sure, the events are exciting. The travel is probably cool. But the day-to-day? That’s dedication. That’s discipline. And that’s also finding a partner who gets it. Who lives it with you.
The Unseen Sacrifice of Golden Relationships
This isn’t just about a cute romance. This is about what it takes to be truly elite, and how a relationship either supports that or crumbles under the pressure. These two aren’t just partners on the ice; they’re partners in a lifestyle that most of us can’t even fathom. The relentless training, the constant travel, the immense pressure to perform perfectly on a global stage. Who else could possibly understand that better than the person standing right next to you, going through the exact same thing?
I’ve seen so many athlete relationships fall apart because one person just can’t handle the demands of the other’s career. Or the jealousy, or the distance. But when your partner is your career, in a very literal sense, it changes the dynamic completely. They’re each other’s biggest cheerleaders, sure, but they’re also each other’s most intense critics. They push each other. They probably annoy the crap out of each other sometimes. But they get it. And that shared understanding, that shared sacrifice, that’s a foundation that’s probably stronger than any ice rink. It’s not just “I support your dreams.” It’s “I live your dreams with you, every single day.”
What This Actually Means
Look, I’m a cynical person. I’ve seen enough “love stories” in the public eye fizzle out faster than a sparkler on the Fourth of July. But Bates and Chock? They make you believe a little bit. Their story isn’t just some glossy magazine spread; it’s a testament to dedication, patience, and finding love in the most unexpected, and intensely demanding, of places. They basically started as professional partners, then friends, then fell in love. That’s like the ultimate rom-com plot, except it’s real life, and they’re also world-class athletes.
Their “quiet lives” and early bedtimes? That’s not boring; that’s commitment. That’s recognizing that sometimes the most important thing for your relationship, and your career, is just to rest, recharge, and be present with the person who truly understands what you’re striving for. It’s a reminder that love isn’t always grand gestures and fireworks. Sometimes, it’s just two people, going to bed early, so they can get up and chase gold together the next day. And honestly, if that doesn’t melt your icy, cynical heart a little, I don’t know what will. It’s not about being perfect, it’s about being a perfect pair, even when no one’s watching. And that, my friends, is actually pretty impressive.
