As of 11 February 2026, French ice dancer Guillaume Cizeron stands at the centre of the sporting world as he competes for a second consecutive Olympic gold medal at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Games. Currently leading the ice dance standings with partner Laurence Fournier Beaudry, Cizeron’s return to the ice has been defined by both technical brilliance and significant off-ice controversy.
Olympic Performance & Standings
Cizeron and Fournier Beaudry entered the final free dance event on Wednesday, 11 February 2026, in first place. The duo set the benchmark during the rhythm dance segment, edging out American favourites Madison Chock and Evan Bates by less than half a point. Their Madonna-inspired routine, which featured Cizeron’s signature “vogueing” style, has been hailed as a highlight of the Games.
Having come out of retirement in early 2025 to form this new partnership, Cizeron is attempting to defend his 2022 Olympic title, which he won with former partner Gabriella Papadakis.
The Fournier Beaudry Partnership
The partnership between Cizeron and Fournier Beaudry was announced on 2 March 2025 via Instagram. Fournier Beaudry, a former Canadian skater, switched allegiances to represent France alongside Cizeron. Despite having skated together for less than a year, the pair quickly rose to the top of the international rankings, winning the Grand Prix de France and the Finlandia Trophy in late 2025.
Controversies and Allegations
Despite their on-ice success, the duo’s journey to Milan has been shadowed by serious allegations and “sinister energy,” according to international media reports. The controversy stems from several factors:
- Abuse Claims: Cizeron’s former partner, Gabriella Papadakis, has reportedly made claims of mistreatment against him, though Cizeron has continued to focus on his competitive return.
- The Sørensen Connection: Fournier Beaudry’s former partner, Nikolaj Sørensen, was banned following sexual assault allegations. The woman who accused Sørensen has publicly criticized the new French team, stating that certain comments made by the pair “create a dangerous environment” for survivors.
- Rapid Ascent: The speed at which the pair reached gold-medal contention has sparked debate within the figure skating community regarding the sport’s judging and political landscape.
Career Highlights
| Achievement | Year | Partner |
|---|---|---|
| Olympic Gold Medal | 2022 | Gabriella Papadakis |
| World Championships (5 Titles) | 2015–2022 | Gabriella Papadakis |
| Olympic Silver Medal | 2018 | Gabriella Papadakis |
| Rhythm Dance Leaders (Milan) | 2026 | Laurence Fournier Beaudry |
The final results of the ice dance competition are expected late Wednesday evening in Milan, as Cizeron looks to cement his legacy as one of the greatest ice dancers in history amidst the most challenging backdrop of his career.