Canadian figure skater Laurence Fournier Beaudry has announced her new partnership with Olympic champion Guillaume Cizeron, signaling the dawn of a fresh chapter following her former partner's suspension due to serious allegations. Cizeron, who claimed gold at the 2022 Beijing Olympics alongside Gabriella Papadakis, made the partnership official on social media on March 2, 2025.
Following the suspension of her previous partner, Nikolaj Sorensen, for six years over allegations of sexual maltreatment, Fournier Beaudry, 32, has set her eyes on the future. Sorensen has denied the allegations, which stem from accusations of sexual assault made against him during an investigation by the Office of the Sport Integrity Commissioner, and have not been tested in court. This unexpected shift arose after Sorensen’s suspension sent ripples through the figure skating community.
The new duo was announced through Cizeron’s Instagram post, where he stated, "Today the universe offers us a new adventure. A duo born from friendship, respect and love for the sport. A dance written by the years and fueled by the fire of our dreams. A new story begins." While it was initially unclear which nation they would represent, Fournier Beaudry has since been listed under the French flag by the International Skaking Union.
This partnership brings together two distinguished talents from disparate backgrounds. Before collaborating with Cizeron, Fournier Beaudry, originally from Montreal, had been competing for Canada alongside Sorensen, with whom she formed a successful partnership. Together, they won the national ice dance title at the 2023 Canadian Championships and represented Canada at the 2022 Beijing Olympics, finishing ninth.
Cizeron, celebrated not just for his Olympic success but also for winning five world titles with his former partner Papadakis, announced their hiatus from competition last year. With Papadakis, Cizeron was one of the premier pairs of figure skating, but both took different paths after their successful run, seeking new partnerships. Cizeron emphasized the personal nature of this new collaboration with Fournier Beaudry, echoing their long-standing friendship and mutual passion for figure skating.
The history of allegiance switches within the world of ice dance is not uncommon as skaters often seek new opportunities when partnerships dissolve or change. While Fournier Beaudry will officially compete for France, her new status as a representative has stirred interest, particularly as she pursues French citizenship, meaning this transition aligns with their competitive goals.
Both skaters aim to shine at the upcoming Milan-Cortina Olympic Games in 2026, marking this partnership as one of significant potential. Ice skating aficionados are watching to see how his new partnership develops, especially as they approach upcoming competitions.
The figure skating community holds its breath to watch this dynamic duo flourish, viewing them as emblematic of the ever-evolving nature of the sport. Teaming with Cizeron not only opens doors for Fournier Beaudry but also redefines ice dance expectations as they craft their performances. The stakes feel remarkably high, especially with their ambitious plans to excel at future competitions.
Should this collaboration yield the anticipated results, it could rejuvenate both skaters' careers and bring excitement back to the ice dance category, previously dominated by their predecessors. The emergence of Fournier Beaudry and Cizeron on the competitive stage carries the weight of their past triumphs and the promise of their shared dreams.
Their partnership symbolizes not only personal growth but also the potential for making strides within the sport, possibly influencing how future partnerships are formed moving forward. With aspirations set high and the intensity of their commitment, Fournier Beaudry and Cizeron’s ice dance narrative is only beginning to take shape.
This newly formed duo stands as promising representatives of the sport, united not only by their individual heritages but also through shared goals and aspirations to achieve greatness and bring prestige to their chosen flag.