French ice dance champions Laurence Fournier Beaudry and Guillaume Cizeron returned to the Olympic ice for the first time since their razor-thin gold medal win at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, bringing both elegance and tension to the arena.
Skating to “Metamorphosis” by Mad Rush at the figure skating exhibition gala on February 21, the duo chose restraint over spectacle. Their performance featured close holds, slow, unhurried edges, and transitions that felt almost whispered rather than declared, creating a dreamy, romantic routine that drew softer applause than expected for reigning Olympic champions. The subtlety of their skating only amplified the undercurrent of controversy lingering from their victory.
Fournier Beaudry, 33, and Cizeron, 31, had narrowly won gold on February 11, edging out Team USA’s Madison Chock and Evan Bates by just 1.42 points. Yet the win quickly became the center of debate after their final score of 225.82 was released. Observers noted significant synchronization errors from Cizeron during the twizzles, yet the French duo still scored higher than Chock and Bates, whose performance was nearly flawless.
A closer look at the judges’ scores revealed that French judge Jezabel Dabouis gave Chock and Bates a 129.74, the lowest score from any of the nine judges — over five points below the average. Meanwhile, Fournier Beaudry and Cizeron received a 137.45 from Dabouis, nearly three points above the average. Despite the controversy, the U.S. duo opted not to appeal, expressing a mix of disappointment and pride in their performance. “It’s been a long journey, but I have a lot of pride for what we have accomplished,” Chock told PEOPLE, pausing to collect herself amidst tears.
The tension surrounding Fournier Beaudry and Cizeron extends beyond the ice. Fournier Beaudry faced scrutiny due to her past association with former partner Nikolaj Sørensen, who was suspended in 2024 over historic allegations — allegations he has denied, with Fournier Beaudry publicly supporting him. Cizeron has also faced personal controversy, with former partner Gabriella Papadakis accusing him of controlling behavior in her memoir. Cizeron has called the allegations a “smear campaign” and is pursuing legal action.
Despite the controversies, the pair’s return at the exhibition gala reminded fans why they are Olympic champions. Their performance, while understated, showcased the precision, emotion, and artistry that earned them gold — even if the applause felt more cautious than celebratory. One lift near the final moments has fans replaying footage, dissecting every detail, proving that even without fireworks, these two can hold an audience rapt.
As the Milano Cortina 2026 Games wrap up, Fournier Beaudry and Cizeron leave a complex legacy: a mix of undeniable talent, whispered brilliance on the ice, and the ongoing weight of public debate — a reminder that in sports, victory is never only about the scoreboard.
