MILAN, Italy – France’s Laurence Fournier Beaudry and Guillaume Cizeron captured the gold medal in ice dance at the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 on Wednesday, February 11th, adding another chapter to a remarkable story of partnership and perseverance. Their total score of 225.82 narrowly edged out Americans Madison Chock and Evan Bates (224.39), while Canada’s Piper Gilles and Paul Poirier secured the bronze with a score of 217.74.
The victory is particularly significant for Cizeron, who becomes the first ice dancer to win Olympic gold medals with two different partners. He previously triumphed at the Beijing 2022 Games alongside Gabriella Papadakis. This achievement breaks a tie with Irina Rodnina, a pairs skater who won three consecutive golds with different partners between 1972 and 1980, and marks a historic moment in the sport.
“We still have a hard time believing it,” Fournier Beaudry told Olympics.com. “It just feels so amazing to just look back at where we started and where we are now and everything we accomplished together this year. We’re living the dream right now.”
The French duo entered the competition with a slim lead of just .46 points, setting the stage for a tense final performance. Skating to music from the motion picture “The Whale,” Fournier Beaudry and Cizeron delivered a performance described as “silky smooth” and “avant-garde,” though not without moments of uncertainty. Their ability to navigate those challenges proved crucial in securing the gold.
This win represents a second consecutive Olympic gold for France in ice dance, a testament to the nation’s growing strength in the discipline. However, the triumph is shadowed by considerable controversy surrounding the partnership between Fournier Beaudry and Cizeron. The duo, while favored to win, has faced intense scrutiny and allegations detailed in recent reports and a newly released documentary.
The circumstances surrounding their pairing have drawn significant attention, particularly in light of allegations of rape and emotional abuse leveled against Cizeron. Prior to partnering with Cizeron, Fournier Beaudry competed with Nikolaj Sørensen, with whom she was also in a relationship. These allegations, brought to light in Gabriella Papadakis’ recently published book, “So As Not To Disappear,” detail a difficult dynamic and accusations of controlling behavior. Papadakis reportedly described feeling afraid when alone with Cizeron and spoke of a sense of being “under his grip.” Cizeron has pushed back against these allegations.
The controversy extends beyond the personal allegations, with some observers questioning the circumstances surrounding Fournier Beaudry’s transition from skating for Canada to representing France. Reports indicate that she could have earned significantly less money had she continued to compete under the Canadian flag, raising questions about potential motivations for the switch.
The American team of Chock and Bates, who finished just behind the French duo, delivered a strong performance and came incredibly close to claiming their first Olympic gold in ice dance. Their score of 224.39 demonstrated their consistent excellence and marked a career highlight. The close margin between the top two teams underscores the incredibly competitive nature of the event.
The victory for Fournier Beaudry and Cizeron is a remarkable achievement, particularly considering the relatively recent formation of their partnership. They had only publicly announced their collaboration last February, making their ascent to Olympic gold all the more improbable. This rapid success challenges the traditional notion that long-standing partnerships are essential for success in ice dance.
However, the shadow of controversy looms large over their accomplishment. Reports from RMC Sport indicate that the American press is “scandalized” by their victory, and the result has sparked debate about the ethics of competing amidst serious allegations. Adam Rippon, a former Team USA figure skater, reportedly described a “sinister energy” surrounding the partnership.
Despite the off-ice turmoil, Fournier Beaudry and Cizeron have demonstrated their ability to perform under pressure and deliver exceptional performances on the ice. As they savor their victory, they acknowledge the journey that brought them to this moment. “It’s hard to talk about Laurence Fournier Beaudry and Guillaume Cizeron’s accomplishments on the ice without addressing the serious allegations,” one report noted, highlighting the complex narrative surrounding their success.
Looking ahead, Fournier Beaudry and Cizeron are already considering their future goals, including the possibility of competing at the 2030 Winter Olympics. However, for now, they are focused on celebrating their hard-earned gold medal and the culmination of a year filled with challenges and triumphs. “Before thinking about 2030, Cizeron and Fournier Beaudry are savoring ‘the path taken’,” TVA Sports reported.
