Laurence Fournier Beaudry and Guillaume Cizeron of France have secured the Olympic ice dance gold medal in Milan. Their victory comes after a competitive season marked by swift partnership formation and persistent controversy stemming from allegations involving their former partners. The duo, who only began competing together in November, achieved the top scores in both the rhythm and free dance segments, narrowly outperforming the U.S. pair Madison Chock and Evan Bates, who took silver.
The circumstances of the French team's rise have been a prominent narrative thread throughout the competition. Their partnership, established less than a year before the Games, achieved success rapidly, a notable feat in a discipline that often favors long-standing duos. This rapid ascent has been accompanied by scrutiny regarding past relationships and allegations that have cast a shadow over their Olympic campaign.
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Competitive Performance and Results
The French team achieved a world-best score of 89.98 points in the rhythm dance, placing them ahead of the U.S. favorites. In the free dance, they maintained their lead, ultimately securing the gold medal.
Rhythm Dance: France's Laurence Fournier Beaudry and Guillaume Cizeron scored 89.98 points.
Free Dance: The final scores saw France finish 1.42 points ahead of the U.S. pair.
Overall Result: France (gold), USA (silver), Canada (bronze).
Allegations Against Guillaume Cizeron
Allegations of abuse have been raised against Guillaume Cizeron by his former skating partner, Gabriella Papadakis. These claims led to Papadakis being dropped from her role as a network figure skating analyst. The specific allegations, detailed in an investigative report, involve an incident where Cizeron allegedly held a woman down against her will and raped her. While this particular allegation does not directly involve Fournier Beaudry, it has been a significant point of discussion surrounding Cizeron's conduct.
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Allegations Involving Nikolaj Sørensen, Fournier Beaudry's Boyfriend
Laurence Fournier Beaudry has been in a long-term relationship with Nikolaj Sørensen, who previously skated with her for 13 seasons. Sørensen faced allegations of sexual assault, with a woman alleging he raped her after a party. Although Sørensen has denied these accusations, the controversy had an impact on his career, leading to a suspension that was eventually overturned. Both Fournier Beaudry and Cizeron have publicly supported Sørensen, and Fournier Beaudry shared in a documentary that the situation affected Sørensen's career. The situation led Fournier Beaudry to seek a new partner.
The French Pair's Rapid Rise
The partnership between Fournier Beaudry and Cizeron formed just ten months prior to the Olympic deadline. This accelerated timeline is unusual in ice dance, a sport where long-term collaboration is typically essential for success.
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Shared History: Despite not competing together previously, Fournier Beaudry and Cizeron have known each other since their teenage years and have a history of training and competing with different partners.
Ambition: The duo embarked on an ambitious timeline, with Fournier Beaudry lacking a French passport at the outset.
Coaching Transition: Guillaume Cizeron, at 30, had reportedly expressed frustration with his lack of spotlight in competitive skating, having also transitioned into coaching.
Expert and Media Commentary
The circumstances surrounding the French team have drawn considerable attention. One report described the French pair as "sinister," referencing the controversies that have accompanied their Olympic performance. Media coverage has highlighted the duality of their success on the ice and the off-ice allegations that have been discussed throughout the Games. The unusual speed of their partnership's success has also been noted as a significant aspect of their Olympic narrative.
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The French ice dance duo Laurence Fournier Beaudry and Guillaume Cizeron have won Olympic gold. Their victory is notable due to their recent partnership and the surfacing of past allegations against both skaters and their respective former partners, Gabriella Papadakis and Nikolaj Sørensen.
Sources:
BBC Sport: https://www.bbc.com/sport/articles/c77e4l3ge86o - Provided details on competition segments and the nature of the allegations against Cizeron.
Sportico: https://www.sportico.com/leagues/olympics/2026/ice-dance-gold-medal-controversial-french-pair-1234884427/ - Covered Cizeron's win, Papadakis's dismissal, and the partnership's controversial start.
NBC New York: https://www.nbcnewyork.com/olympics/2026-milan-cortina/france-ice-dancing-team-controversy/6459162/ - Detailed the rhythm dance scores and the French lead.
USA Today: https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/olympics/2026/02/11/french-ice-dance-team-laurence-fournier-beaudry-guillaume-cizeron-ex-partners-sexual-abuse-olympics/88593894007/ - Explained the abuse allegations against Cizeron and Fournier Beaudry's support for Sørensen.
NBC Chicago: https://www.nbcchicago.com/olympics/2026-milan-cortina/whats-the-controversy-surrounding-frances-ice-dancing-duo-what-to-know-before-medal-skate/3891160/ - Provided schedule information and context on the controversies.
Le Monde: https://www.lemonde.fr/en/sports/article/2026/02/11/2026-winter-olympics-the-dance-against-the-clock-of-guillaume-cizeron-and-laurence-fournier-beaudry67503699.html - Discussed the team's rapid formation and training background.
Us Weekly: https://www.usmagazine.com/entertainment/news/ice-dancers-guillaume-cizeron-laurence-fournier-beaudry-drama-explained/ - Offered context on Cizeron's previous partnership with Papadakis and Fournier Beaudry's history with Sørensen.
RFI: https://www.rfi.fr/en/olympic-games/20260210-french-ice-dancers-poised-for-winter-olympics-gold-amid-turmoil - Highlighted the "baptism of fire" nature of their debut season and their performance in initial events.
People: https://www.people.com/french-ice-dancers-laurence-fournier-beaudry-guillaume-cizeron-win-gold-amid-ongoing-controversy-11904971 - Focused on the pair's emotional reaction to winning gold amidst ongoing controversies.
Vanity Fair: https://www.vanityfair.com/news/story/olympic-ice-dancing-2026-chock-bates - Provided context on the U.S. team's situation and described the French couple as "sinister."
ESPN: https://www.espn.com/olympics/story//id/47901519/french-duo-wins-olympic-ice-dance-gold-upset-chock-bates - Reported on the medal ceremony and the outcome for the French and U.S. teams.
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