French Duo Fournier Beaudry and Cizeron Claim Ice Dance Gold in Milan
MILAN, 24 February 2026 – France has secured its position at the pinnacle of figure skating as Laurence Fournier Beaudry and Guillaume Cizeron captured the gold medal in the Ice Dance event at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics. The victory marks a historic second Olympic gold for Cizeron, who previously triumphed in Beijing 2022 with former partner Gabriella Papadakis.
A New Partnership Reaches the Summit
The pairing of Guillaume Cizeron, 31, and Laurence Fournier Beaudry, 33, has stunned the figure skating world. Formed only a year prior to the Games, the duo managed to outpace established world champions to take the top spot on the podium. Fournier Beaudry, a former Canadian international skater, switched allegiances to represent France alongside Cizeron, a move that has now culminated in Olympic glory.
The French couple finished with a total score of 225.82, narrowly defeating the American pair Madison Chock and Evan Bates by a margin of 1.43 points. The performance was lauded for its artistic depth and technical precision, particularly a signature lift that French media has described as the “crowning moment” of their routine.
Milano Cortina 2026: Ice Dance Final Standings
| Rank | Athletes | Nation | Total Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gold | L. Fournier Beaudry / G. Cizeron | France | 225.82 |
| Silver | M. Chock / E. Bates | United States | 224.39 |
| Bronze | E. Zingas / V. Kolesnik | United States | N/A |
Controversy and Critical Reception
Despite the celebration in France, the result has not been without scrutiny. International observers and data analysts have pointed to significant scoring discrepancies, specifically regarding French judge Jézabel Dabouis, who reportedly scored the French duo nearly eight points higher than their American rivals. Critics have raised concerns regarding “nationalistic bias” in judging, a recurring theme in Olympic figure skating history.
Responding to the backlash, Cizeron and Fournier Beaudry remained firm in their achievement. During an interview with France Inter on 17 February, Cizeron noted that the duo actually felt they deserved even higher marks in certain technical segments. The pair also participated in the traditional Exhibition Gala in Milan, receiving a standing ovation from the local crowd before returning to France.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Laurence Fournier Beaudry?
Laurence Fournier Beaudry is a 33-year-old ice dancer who previously competed for Canada. She teamed up with Guillaume Cizeron for the 2025-26 season, representing France to win European and Olympic gold.
How many Olympic gold medals does Guillaume Cizeron have?
Guillaume Cizeron now holds two Olympic gold medals. He won his first at the Beijing 2022 Games with Gabriella Papadakis and his second at the Milano Cortina 2026 Games with Laurence Fournier Beaudry.
What was the margin of victory in the 2026 Ice Dance final?
The French duo won by 1.43 points, finishing with a total score of 225.82 against the 224.39 scored by the silver medalists from the United States.