UPDATE: French ice dancers Guillaume Cizeron and Laurence Fournier Beaudry have just clinched Olympic gold at the 2026 Winter Games in Milan with a stunning score of 225.82 points. However, their monumental victory is overshadowed by off-ice controversies that have sparked intense public scrutiny.
In a breathtaking performance to music from the film The Whale, Cizeron and Fournier Beaudry narrowly edged out American favorites Madison Chock and Evan Bates, who finished with a score of 224.39 points. While their flawless routine dazzled the audience, attention quickly shifted back to troubling allegations surrounding both skaters.
Cizeron faces serious allegations from his former partner Gabriella Papadakis, who described him as “controlling” and “demanding” in her recently released book. Cizeron has vehemently denied these accusations, labeling them a “smear campaign.” Meanwhile, Fournier Beaudry’s previous partner, Nikolaj Sorensen, was implicated in a scandal involving sexual assault allegations that led to a six-year suspension, later overturned on jurisdictional grounds. Fournier Beaudry has publicly supported Sorensen, further complicating her Olympic triumph.
The emotional weight of the competition was palpable. Chock and Bates, reigning world champions, earned a season-best 134.67 points for their matador-themed free dance, yet the silver medal marked a bittersweet moment for them. Chock was seen visibly emotional, comforted by fellow competitors after the event, while Bates exited the rink quietly with his medal.
Cizeron, reflecting on the challenging moments they faced, stated, “From the beginning we tried to create a bubble where we really supported each other through everything.” Fournier Beaudry expressed immense pride in their achievements: “This is our first season together, and to win gold is incredibly special.”
Canadian ice dancers Piper Gilles and Paul Poirier secured the bronze medal with 218.96 points, marking their first Olympic podium finish after multiple Games appearances. Gilles emphasized their focus on creating a memorable performance rather than chasing a specific result.
As the 2026 Olympic ice dance competition concluded, emerging talents were highlighted, including American pair Emilea Zingas and Vadym Kolesnik, who made their Olympic debut, finishing fifth. Meanwhile, fellow American duo Christina Carreira and Anthony Ponomarenko placed 11th, demonstrating the depth of competition present at these Games.
The combination of high-stakes performances, close scores, and the off-ice histories of Cizeron and Fournier Beaudry has made this season one of the most closely watched and debated in recent memory. As the dust settles, the implications of their personal controversies and the emotional toll of the competition will likely resonate well beyond the rink.
Fans and analysts alike are left to ponder the impact of these developments as the ice dance world watches closely for what comes next in the aftermath of this historic event.
