Fournier Beaudry and Cizeron Claim Olympic Gold Amidst Judging Controversy in Milan
MILAN, 17 February 2026 – France’s Laurence Fournier Beaudry and Guillaume Cizeron have been crowned Olympic ice dance champions at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Games. The victory, secured on Wednesday 11 February, marks a historic second gold for Cizeron, though the result has sparked significant debate within the international figure skating community regarding scoring discrepancies.
A Historic Partnership and a Narrow Victory
The French duo, who only began their competitive partnership in January 2025, achieved a total score of 225.82 to edge out the American favourites, Madison Chock and Evan Bates. The victory is particularly significant for Guillaume Cizeron, 31, who becomes the first ice dancer to win Olympic gold with two different partners, following his 2022 success in Beijing with Gabriella Papadakis.
Laurence Fournier Beaudry, 33, a Montreal-born skater who previously represented Canada, was granted French citizenship to compete alongside Cizeron. Their free dance performance was praised by supporters for its superior choreography and flow, despite technical errors that critics argue should have impacted their final standing.
Scoring Discrepancies and “Rigging” Allegations
The triumph has not been without friction. Following the free dance, reports emerged of a significant scoring gap provided by French judge Jezabel Dabouis. The judge awarded the French pair 137.45 points compared to 129.74 for the American team, the largest differential among the panel. This 7.71-point gap proved decisive, as Fournier Beaudry and Cizeron ultimately won by a slim margin of 1.43 points.
Observers noted a visible error in Cizeron’s twizzle sequence, while Chock and Bates delivered what many considered a technically flawless routine. Despite the “rigging” headlines in international media, the United States Olympic Committee has reportedly decided not to appeal the final result, allowing the French duo to retain their titles.
Key Statistics: Milano Cortina 2026 Ice Dance Final
| Metric | Details |
|---|---|
| Gold Medalists | L. Fournier Beaudry / G. Cizeron (FRA) |
| Total Score | 225.82 |
| Silver Medalists | M. Chock / E. Bates (USA) |
| Winning Margin | 1.43 points |
| Date of Event | 11 February 2026 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Laurence Fournier Beaudry qualify to skate for France?
Originally a Canadian athlete, Fournier Beaudry was granted French citizenship following her partnership with Cizeron. Under Olympic rules, athletes must be citizens of the country they represent, a process she completed in time for the 2025/2026 season.
What was the main point of the judging controversy?
The controversy centres on the scores from the French judge, which were significantly higher for the French pair and lower for the American pair than those of other international judges. Critics pointed to a technical mistake in Cizeron’s twizzles that they believe was not adequately penalised.
Has Guillaume Cizeron retired before?
Yes, Cizeron took a hiatus from competitive skating following the 2022 Beijing Olympics. He returned to the ice specifically to form this new partnership with Fournier Beaudry with the goal of competing in Milan.