French Ice Dancers Clinch Controversial Olympic Gold Amidst Serious Allegations
The glittering world of Olympic ice dance has been clouded by controversy, as French duo Laurence Fournier Beaudry and Guillaume Cizeron secured the gold medal in a nail-biting finish. However, their hard-won victory is now under intense scrutiny due to deeply troubling allegations of sexual assault and abuse involving their respective partners and former skating collaborators.
A Narrow Victory, A Wide Shadow
The American pair, Madison Chock and Evan Bates, reigning three-time world champions, found themselves on the wrong side of a razor-thin margin, missing out on Olympic gold despite delivering a seemingly flawless performance. The debate over artistic merit and technical execution has been overshadowed by a far more disturbing narrative surrounding the French champions.
Fournier Beaudry and Cizeron’s triumph is remarkable, especially considering their partnership is less than a year old. Yet, the foundation of this successful union is built upon the fallout from serious allegations that have cast a dark shadow over the sport. The controversy involves Fournier Beaudry’s boyfriend and former ice dance partner, Nikolaj Sørensen, and Cizeron’s former skating partner, Gabriella Papadakis.
Allegations Against Partners: A Dark Undercurrent
Nikolaj Sørensen, a Danish-Canadian ice dancer and Fournier Beaudry’s current partner, faced significant repercussions in 2024 when the Canadian skating governing body suspended him for at least six years. The ban stemmed from allegations of “sexual maltreatment,” including accusations of sexual assault against an American coach and former skater dating back to 2012. While Sørensen denied these accusations, and the suspension was later overturned in 2025 on a technicality related to jurisdiction, the allegations have left an indelible mark.
Fournier Beaudry has consistently defended Sørensen, with whom she began skating in 2012 and started dating the following year. In a recent Netflix documentary, ‘Glitter & Gold,’ she described feeling like “collateral damage” and emphasized her unwavering belief in her partner’s innocence. “I know my boyfriend 100%. I know him. And we [stood] strong together,” she stated, highlighting the personal toll these accusations have taken on both their careers and their integrity.
Cizeron Accused of Abusive Conduct
Adding to the controversy, Guillaume Cizeron, the 31-year-old French skater, is facing allegations of abusive conduct from his former ice dance partner, Gabriella Papadakis. The duo, who have skated together since they were 10 and famously won gold at the Beijing 2022 Olympics, saw their partnership fracture following Papadakis’s allegations in her recent memoir, ‘So as Not to Disappear.’
Papadakis described Cizeron as “often controlling, demanding and critical,” revealing that she refused to skate with him unless a coach was present. She further detailed an experience of “blood-chilling coldness” and expressed being “terrified by the idea of finding myself alone with him.” Cizeron has vehemently rejected these claims, denouncing them as a “smear campaign” and reportedly taking legal action through a cease-and-desist letter.
Impact on the Sport and Future
The fallout from these allegations extends beyond the competitive arena. Papadakis, who retired from competitive skating in December 2024, was recently dropped as a broadcaster by NBC following the publication of her memoir. This decision underscores the significant impact these accusations have on athletes’ careers and public perception.
The International Olympic Committee and various national skating federations face immense pressure to address these allegations decisively. The integrity of the sport hinges on ensuring a safe and respectful environment for all athletes. The controversy surrounding Fournier Beaudry and Cizeron’s gold medal raises critical questions about athlete welfare, due process, and the long-term implications of such serious claims within the high-stakes world of elite sports.
As the dust settles on this Olympic event, the focus remains on the dual narratives: the triumph of athletic achievement and the grim reality of allegations that continue to plague the sport. The future of ice dance, and indeed many disciplines within competitive sports, will be shaped by how these issues are handled and the commitment to fostering a culture of accountability and support for all involved.
