Madison Chock and Evan Bates talk 'challenging' Olympics, how they calm their nerves and thoughts on starting a family

As one can imagine, the Olympics are intense and emotionally demanding, therefore, the pair proactively prepared beforehand.

Evan revealed: "I think when we saw the schedule for Milan and realized we'd be doing four performances over six days, we started preparing months in advance for the physical toll, but also the mental focus it would take."

The couple consciously allowed themselves to feel each emotion, every step of the way.

He added: "I think that was the most challenging part of Milan for us, and the takeaway in the end was, we were able to accomplish our goal of doing four great performances in that time, because we kind of allowed ourselves to feel whatever our bodies were feeling – the tiredness, the fatigue, the kind of up and down mental roller coaster that that six-day span was, was OK with us."

Evan continued: "We were locked in, and we were ready, and trusted our bodies and our training to go out and execute, even if we were feeling a little tired or we got to bed late or whatever it may be. So I think having the relationship with your feelings and your thoughts, and understand that you are not your thoughts are your feelings, they're just, they're just part of it and you can do anything."

Competing as the world is watching your every move live is a beast of its own, therefore, having emotional regualtion is just as important as having skating skills.

Madision shared: "I think that's one of the most important things that we've practiced, is just how to take the ice and feel present and grounded, and calm and I think that's something that we have strived to feel, throughout our careers. And once we got to the Olympics, we were able to implement all those years of training and preparation, and mental fortitude into that moment."

She continued: "So when we did take the ice, we felt, at least I felt very peaceful, and calm and present in the moment, and that's everything that I hoped that moment would feel like, but it came from years of dedicated practice to not only our physical health, but our mental well-being, [and] finding that stability and that strength to overcome adversity, handle adversity as it comes, [and] be as present as possible for all of it."

The couple believe that having a strong growth mindset is most important before going into an anxiety-filled event.

He added: "I think if we were to offer any advice, I would say to treat every experience like it's all coming for learning and growing – every experience we have, we approach it like it's an opportunity to either learn or grow. And so it takes the fear of failure away a little bit and allows you to kind of appreciate each opportunity, knowing that you can handle whatever the outcome's going to be."

The duo are a force in their industry and in their personal lives, as they continue to thrive together across the board.

Madison gushed: "I think my favorite part about working with Evan every day is that we can pour our creative juices, our energy – mental strength into a shared goal, and a shared passion. And we both love skating, and are so committed to our craft and to each other."

She added: "So when we channel that energy into a goal that we've set for ourselves, it really is the best work you can do with your partner. I think it's so fun, it's so fulfilling. You set big goals, you set daily goals, and it's just a great way to grow together and evolve on and off the ice as a couple."

Evan provided advice for other couples working together and believes it all comes down to being a consistent encourager to your partner.

He shared: "What's really great about working with your partner is that success for one of you means success for both of you. And seeing your partner succeed, whether it's as part of the group or individually, or you see the personal gains that they make on their journey towards these goals, it's really wonderful to see."

The ice skater added: "And really, the best part is getting that front row seat and being the biggest cheerleader for your partner. And then, in turn, it pushes you to be better and you kind of grow side by side and together and it becomes this symbiotic relationship where you're both helping each other grow and achieve your dreams, and that's really the magic part about it all."

Madison emphasized a successful work-life balance comes from enjoying the little moments, not just the big moments with your partner, that makes all the difference.

She shared: "I would also encourage people to If they work with their partner, enjoy the the process, enjoy the the day to day, little gains here and there, and just enjoy each other's company, because the big wins can be few and far between, and when they come, it's great to enjoy them, but it's about the process."

The athlete continued: "Getting to those points, that's really the most meaningful, and when you share that with the person that you love, I would encourage them to find the joy in all those little moments throughout the day."

Madison and Evan may be booked and busy however, they do see themselves starting a family together in the future. Overall, they're taking it day by day.

Evan revealed: "I don't know if it's that easy to plan. We certainly wanted to give ourselves the time to breathe after the competitive season ended. And so I think that family planning is more of a longer term goal for us right now, but definitely still something that we would love for someday to happen."

He added: "But it's so interesting [that] after the Olympics, your schedule is so dialed in, and your life is so regimented, and then all of a sudden, it opens up so much that it becomes almost like the polar opposite. And so I think getting comfortable in this space and allowing things to slowly unfold will be our approach and so, if it happens, we'll definitely welcome it and be excited about it, but no plans right now to jump into that."

The pair are set to take the stage during the nation-wide Stars on Ice tour which will be stopping at over 27 cities across America.

Evan enthusiastically said: "We have quite a few shows, which is really exciting. We need to be in the right shape to make it through, because it's going to be busy. We're going to, I think, 28 cities with 29 shows. And we have the entire team, team event, gold medalists from Milan, as well as a handful of other US Olympic skaters. So it's going to be so fun. We're really excited. It's a great way to connect with the fans and rumor is that it's been selling well. We're really excited."

Madison added: "So [if] people haven't got their tickets yet, they should probably get them soon."

Fans don't have to travel to Milan, because the ice skaters are arriving in their own backyard and skaters will showcase their performance from the Olympics.

Madison teased: "We'll be doing our free dance from the Olympics. A lot of other skaters will probably be doing at least one of their Olympic programs. So if they want to come out and see these Olympic programs live and in person, Stars on Ice is the time to do it."

Evan added: "And then we have some numbers, which is really fun for us. We don't often get a chance to skate in groups like that. Stars on Ice is the only opportunity that we have to be on the ice. The other skaters do group choreography and wear cool costumes and have just a great time connecting with the fans. So that's another component that we love about show skating."

He concluded: "It's such a fun environment, such a fun experience, even just being out there skating in front of a crowd without it being such a competitive environment, such high pressure, high demand."

You can catch the power couple, Ilia Malinin, and Alysa Liu's breathtaking performances at the Stars on Ice Tour coming to your city, including NYC at the UBS Arena and NJ at the Prudential Center.