What Makes France's Ice Dance Stars So Controversial and Skilled?

Guillaume Cizeron and Laurence Fournier Beaudry recently triumphed at the European Championships held in Sheffield, and they now find themselves in a thrilling race for gold at the upcoming Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics. This article explores the current standings, the dynamics of their partnership, and the surrounding controversies that could impact their performance on the ice.

Last updated: 16 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

As the Winter Olympics approach, the ice dance competition is heating up with Cizeron and Fournier Beaudry leading the pack. After their impressive performance in Sheffield, they currently hold a narrow lead over American couple Evan Bates and Madison Chock, with only 0.46 points separating them. The rhythm dance has set the stage for a competitive free dance segment, where the overall scores will determine the medal outcomes. The competitive landscape is not only defined by athletic prowess but also by personal dramas and past relationships that could influence performances.

Key takeaways

Cizeron and Fournier Beaudry hold a slim lead in the ice dance rankings heading into the free dance.
Their partnership is relatively new, having debuted in November 2022.
Controversies surrounding Cizeron's previous partnership may affect public perception and media coverage.

Timeline: how we got here

The journey to the Milan-Cortina Olympics for Cizeron and Fournier Beaudry has been marked by significant events:

November 2022: Cizeron and Fournier Beaudry compete for the first time together.
February 2022: Cizeron wins gold at the Beijing Olympics with his former partner, Gabriella Papadakis.
2025: Fournier Beaudry gains French citizenship, allowing her to partner with Cizeron.
2023: Cizeron and Fournier Beaudry secure the European Championships title in Sheffield.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

The recent performances have showcased the technical prowess of Cizeron and Fournier Beaudry, particularly highlighted in their rhythm dance routine. Their ability to gain a slight edge in technical scoring has raised expectations for their upcoming free dance.

What was already established

Before their partnership, Cizeron was known for his illustrious career alongside Papadakis, with whom he won multiple world titles and an Olympic gold. The complexities of their split have been a recurring narrative in the media, overshadowing his new partnership.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

The upcoming Winter Olympics, scheduled from 6-22 February 2026, will draw significant viewership in the UK. Households can expect extensive coverage on BBC platforms, including live broadcasts and commentary, making it accessible for fans to follow the action closely.

Businesses and jobs

For businesses, especially those involved in sports broadcasting and merchandise, the Olympics present a lucrative opportunity. Anticipation surrounding figure skating can lead to increased sales of related products and sponsorship opportunities.

Policy and regulation

While the Olympics typically have stringent regulations regarding athlete eligibility and conduct, the controversies surrounding Cizeron and Fournier Beaudry's previous partners may prompt discussions on athlete welfare and the safeguarding of athletes in competitive sports.

Numbers that matter

0.46 points: The current lead Cizeron and Fournier Beaudry hold over Bates and Chock.
5: The number of world titles won by Cizeron and Papadakis together.
6-22 February 2026: The dates of the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics.
3: The number of times Bates and Chock have won world championships.
1: The number of Olympic gold medals held by Cizeron, which he aims to defend.

Definitions and jargon buster

Rhythm dance: A segment in ice dance competitions that includes required elements for direct comparison.
Free dance: A more creative segment of ice dance where skaters have greater freedom over their routines.
Technical score: A score awarded based on the execution of required elements during a performance.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

As the free dance approaches, Cizeron and Fournier Beaudry will need to maintain their focus and refine their routine to ensure they maximise their scores. The pressure will be on to deliver another flawless performance.

Medium term (1–6 months)

Following the Olympics, the future of their partnership will be scrutinised, particularly if they achieve podium finishes. Fans and analysts will be looking at how they can build on their success moving forward.

Signals to watch

Scores from the upcoming free dance segment.
Media coverage regarding the controversies surrounding Cizeron's past partnership.
Public reception and support for Fournier Beaudry, especially in light of her relationship with Sorensen.

Practical guidance

Do

Stay updated on the competition by following official broadcasts and coverage.
Engage with Olympic-themed merchandise and support local businesses during the event.
Watch for the dynamics of partnerships and their impact on performance.

Don’t

Don’t overlook the importance of both segments (rhythm dance and free dance) in determining overall scores.
Don’t ignore the potential impact of personal controversies on competitors’ performances.
Don’t miss the chance to explore behind-the-scenes insights through documentaries and interviews.

Checklist

Have you set reminders for key competition dates?
Are you following reliable sources for updates on the event?
Have you considered how to engage with the Olympics in your local community?
Are you aware of the rules and scoring methods in ice dance?
Have you watched previous performances of the top contenders to understand their styles?

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

The controversies surrounding Cizeron's previous partnership could impact public perception and potentially influence judges' decisions. Additionally, the dynamic of Fournier Beaudry's relationship with Sorensen may introduce further scrutiny, complicating their narrative as they compete. As these factors unfold, ongoing coverage will likely reflect both the athletic and personal journeys of the competitors.

Bottom line

The lead-up to the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics is rife with excitement and tension, especially for Cizeron and Fournier Beaudry, who are carving out their legacy amidst personal controversies and fierce competition. As they prepare for the free dance, all eyes will be on how they navigate the pressures of the Olympic stage. Will they uphold the legacy of excellence in ice dance or will the weight of past relationships overshadow their performance?

FAQs

Who are Guillaume Cizeron and Laurence Fournier Beaudry?

Guillaume Cizeron and Laurence Fournier Beaudry are competitive ice dancers representing France. They are currently leading the rankings for the upcoming Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina 2026.

What is the significance of the rhythm dance in figure skating?

The rhythm dance is a key segment in ice dance competitions that includes required elements for scoring, allowing judges to assess technical skills and artistic expression.

What controversies surround Cizeron and Fournier Beaudry?

Controversies include Cizeron's acrimonious split with former partner Gabriella Papadakis and Fournier Beaudry's relationship with Nikolaj Sorensen, who faced a suspension due to allegations of sexual assault.