UPDATE: French ice dancers Guillaume Cizeron and Laurence Fournier Beaudry have just claimed Olympic gold at the 2026 Winter Games in Milan, yet their victory is marred by serious off-ice controversies. The duo scored 225.82 points, edging out American favorites Madison Chock and Evan Bates, who finished with 224.39 points.
Cizeron, under scrutiny following allegations from his former partner Gabriella Papadakis, is accused of being “controlling” and “demanding” in a recently published book. He vehemently denies these claims, labeling them a “smear campaign.” Meanwhile, Fournier Beaudry’s past is also in the spotlight as her former partner, Nikolaj Sorensen, faced sexual assault allegations leading to a six-year suspension, which was later overturned. She has publicly supported him amidst the backlash.
Chock and Bates, the three-time reigning world champions, put forth a stunning performance themed around a matador and bull, earning a season-best 134.67 points for their free dance. Despite their silver medal, the emotional weight of the competition was palpable; Chock was seen in tears as fellow competitors offered comfort. The duo had previously led Team USA to a gold medal in the team event, making this individual title even more significant.
The win for Cizeron and Fournier Beaudry marks their first Olympic encounter with Chock and Bates, after previously clinching the European Championships and two Grand Prix titles. Their rapid rise in the competitive ice dance scene has captivated audiences, but the surrounding controversy has made their journey all the more controversial.
Reflecting on their challenges, Cizeron stated, “From the beginning we tried to create a bubble where we really supported each other through everything.” Fournier Beaudry expressed pride in their achievements, especially in their first season together.
In addition to the intense rivalry, the competition highlighted emerging talent. Canadian ice dancers Piper Gilles and Paul Poirier secured the bronze with 218.96 points, marking their first Olympic podium finish. Gilles emphasized their focus on creating memorable performances over the pursuit of medals.
The 2026 Olympic ice dance competition has turned into a spectacle, showcasing high-stakes performances and closely contested scores. As the fallout from Cizeron and Fournier Beaudry’s victory unfolds, the ice dance community and fans worldwide are left to ponder the implications of personal controversies on the sport.
Stay tuned for further updates as this story continues to develop.
