France’s Laurence Fournier Beaudry and Guillaume Cizeron claimed ice dance gold at the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympics on February 11. Their victory marked a stunning achievement in only their fifth international competition together. Moreover, Cizeron became the first ice dancer to win back-to-back Olympic titles with different partners after his 2022 gold with Gabriella Papadakis.
The French duo scored 135.64 points in their lyrical free dance to the soundtrack of The Whale. As a result, they finished with a total of 225.82. This edged out three-time world champions Madison Chock and Evan Bates of the United States, who totaled 224.39 for silver. Piper Gilles and Paul Poirier of Canada took bronze with 217.74.
Fournier Beaudry and Cizeron led by a narrow 0.46 after the rhythm dance. Therefore, the free dance became a thrilling finale. Their program, inspired by water, featured seamless edges, airy lifts, and flowing choreography. Consequently, it captured the emotional depth of the music. Fournier Beaudry collapsed into Cizeron’s arms after their final pose. She described the moment as a total release after intense preparation.
Cizeron called the accomplishment dizzying. He highlighted the obstacles they overcame in less than a year. Furthermore, he expressed deep pride in Fournier Beaudry’s strength. Both skaters described the season as bonus time after unexpected reunions.
Americans Settle for Silver After Strong Season
Chock and Bates entered undefeated this season. However, they had to accept silver despite a powerful free dance to the Rolling Stones’ Paint It Black. Their program featured gender-role reversal with Chock as matador and Bates as bull. It blended flamenco and paso doble elements with sharp accents, deep edges, and intricate sequences.
Chock fought back tears afterward. She acknowledged their incredible career and first Olympics as a married couple. Bates reflected that sometimes efforts do not yield the desired result. Nevertheless, they remain proud of their performances throughout the week.
Canadians Secure Emotional Bronze
Gilles and Poirier delivered an emotional routine that earned bronze. This marked their first Olympic medal after years of personal challenges. Gilles battled ovarian cancer surgery in 2022-23 following her mother’s death from brain cancer in 2018. Therefore, tears flowed as they realized the result. The moment represented a long-awaited breakthrough.
Partnership Formed Quickly After Separate Paths
Fournier Beaudry, originally Canadian, received French citizenship in November 2025 to compete for France. She and Cizeron train together in Montreal alongside Chock and Bates. Cizeron suggested the partnership to his longtime friend when both found themselves without partners. Neither expected an Olympic return so soon.
Their quick success has drawn attention. Some observers praise the refinement and understated elegance of their skating. Others note the French style of long lines and classic grace.
Controversy Shadows French Victory
The ice dance gold comes amid scrutiny of the French duo’s partnership. Cizeron’s former partner Papadakis recently released a memoir accusing him of controlling behavior. Cizeron denies the claims. Additionally, Fournier Beaudry’s previous partner Nikolaj Sorensen faced a six-year suspension in 2024 for sexual maltreatment. The suspension was later overturned on jurisdictional grounds.
These issues have fueled debate around the circumstances of the new team. Nevertheless, their on-ice chemistry and technical execution secured the top spot.
The Milano Cortina ice dance competition delivered memorable performances across the podium. Fournier Beaudry and Cizeron’s rapid rise added a remarkable chapter to Olympic history. Meanwhile, Chock and Bates finally earned an individual medal after years of pursuit. Gilles and Poirier’s bronze provided an emotional capstone to their resilience.
As figure skating concludes at these Games, the results highlight both athletic excellence and personal journeys. The ice dance gold reflects the sport’s blend of artistry, athleticism, and human determination.
