After just three months since announcing his retirement, French ice dancing champion Guillaume Cizeron is making his much-anticipated return to the ice. This time, he will be partnering with Canadian figure skater Laurence Fournier Beaudry as they aim for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan. What a turnaround!
At 30 years old, Cizeron's decision to lace up his skates again follows his remarkable achievements, including winning Olympic gold at the 2022 games alongside former partner Gabriella Papadakis. Now, with the countdown ticking to 2026, he is all set for another chapter of competition. He and Fournier have long been acquainted, having met 14 years ago, with their friendship blossoming over the years. "Today, the universe offers us a new adventure. A duo born of friendship, respect, and love of sport. A dance written by the years, and carried by the fire of our dreams," Cizeron and Fournier shared excitedly on social media.
Fournier, 32, who will be donning the colors of France, has her own history to navigate. She was previously part of the ice dancing duo with Nikolaj Sorensen, who was recently suspended for six years due to allegations of sexual misconduct involving another skater. This significant disruption has led her to explore new paths, and she has expressed excitement about the opportunity to skate with Cizeron.
The combination of Cizeron and Fournier may come as something of a surprise to some fans. Their previous partnerships, especially between Cizeron and Papadakis, had gained them widespread acclaim, including five European championships and five world titles. Their connection was noted for its deep synergy on the ice, which made them fan favorites. Yet, as Papadakis opted for performance art and shows, Cizeron felt the pull of competition remain.
"Reprendre la compétition après la carrière que j’ai eue et les deux ans et demi, trois ans d’arrêt, ça paraît un challenge un peu fou," Cizeron noted, acknowledging the intensity of returning to such a high-pressure environment. This longing for competition seems to stem from his passion for the sport itself. He, too, recognized the unique opportunity to partner with Fournier, who brings her own impressive resume of accomplishments.
Currently, the duo is focused on preparing for their initial competitions starting this September, which will include the Masters event and various Grand Prix stages. Their main goal, of course, is to qualify for the 2026 Olympic Games, positioned from February 6 to 22.
This new partnership not only heralds the hope for Olympic glory but also offers the chance for Cizeron to make history. Should they succeed, he would join the ranks of rare athletes who have achieved Olympic championships with two different partners, as previously accomplished by Russian pair skaters.
The French Skates Federation has expressed optimism about this dynamic pairing, noting, "This challenge reunites two of the greatest talents of ice dancing, and we believe they can inspire the next generation of athletes."
Laurence Fournier has made significant strides since her last outings with Sorensen, qualifying for the Olympics with respects to previous results. She noted how difficult it has been emotionally during this transition time, stating, "It’s been challenging as I didn’t retire on my own terms." This collaboration has re-ignited her enthusiasm for the ice dancing world.
Cizeron and Fournier balance ambition with reality, knowing the road leading up to the Olympics requires immense dedication, both on and off the ice. They prepare to compete with hope, excitement, and strong ambition, reminding themselves daily of the musicality and artistry inherent to their discipline, now paired with the fierce drive of athletic competition.
With training sessions already underway, the upcoming months will be filled with hard work as both Cizeron and Fournier seek not only to build their competitive edges but also to create artistry within their performances. The figures of ice dancing have always held storytelling and emotional connectivity at their core, and now with this fresh partnership, their passion and innovation on the ice is set to offer fans breathtaking performances.
Fans of ice skating around the globe await the new chapter for Cizeron and Fournier, riveted by their story, their resilience, and their ambition to reclaim Olympic glory. With the road to Milan now underway, the excitement around this new duo is palpable, heralding what could be one of the most captivating stories leading up to the 2026 Winter Olympics.