Guillaume Cizeron and Laurence Fournier Beaudry have claimed Olympic gold in ice dance at Milano Cortina 2026, a stunning achievement for a partnership formed just one year ago.
The French-Canadian duo delivered a captivating performance that secured them the top spot on the podium, marking a remarkable triumph in what is only their first season competing together. Cizeron, a five-time world champion with former partner Gabriella Papadakis, teamed up with Canadian skater Fournier Beaudry in 2025, creating one of the most intriguing partnerships in recent ice dance history.
Their victory represents a significant milestone for both athletes. For Cizeron, it adds an individual Olympic gold to his impressive resume, having previously won gold with Papadakis at Beijing 2022. Fournier Beaudry, who competed for Canada with Nikolaj Sørensen before the partnership ended, now stands atop the Olympic podium for the first time in her career.
Rapid Success on the Ice
The speed at which Cizeron and Fournier Beaudry have achieved Olympic glory is extraordinary in the world of figure skating, where partnerships typically require several seasons to develop the chemistry and technical precision needed for championship-level competition. Ice dance demands exceptional synchronization, trust, and artistic interpretation—qualities the pair have evidently mastered in record time.
Their journey to gold began when they announced their partnership in 2025, immediately drawing attention from the skating community. The combination of Cizeron's technical brilliance and choreographic sophistication with Fournier Beaudry's expressive skating and competitive experience created a formidable team from the outset.
French Celebration at Milano Cortina
The victory adds to France's medal tally at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics and continues the nation's strong tradition in ice dance. French television coverage captured the emotional moment as the pair realized they had secured gold, a scene that resonated with viewers across the country.
Figure SkatingAlysa Liu Captivates at Milano Cortina 2026 Free SkateFor Cizeron, competing under the French flag while partnering with a Canadian skater represents the increasingly international nature of modern ice dance. Fournier Beaudry's decision to compete for France through this partnership has proven to be a career-defining choice, culminating in Olympic glory.
Historic Achievement in Record Time
The gold medal performance caps an unprecedented rise to the top of the sport. While many successful ice dance teams spend three to five years building toward Olympic success, Cizeron and Fournier Beaudry have compressed that timeline dramatically, demonstrating both their individual talent and their exceptional compatibility as partners.
Their achievement will be studied by coaches and skaters alike as an example of what is possible when two highly skilled athletes combine their strengths. The victory also raises questions about the future of the partnership and whether they will continue to compete beyond Milano Cortina 2026.
