In a revealing new Netflix docuseries titled *Glitter & Gold: Ice Dancing*, Canadian figure skater Laurence Fournier Beaudry shares her emotional journey following the serious allegations against her former partner and boyfriend, Nikolaj Sorensen. The three-part series, set to premiere on February 1, follows top ice dance teams as they prepare for the upcoming Milan Cortina Olympic Games, offering a unique glimpse into the challenges faced by athletes both on and off the ice.
A Shattering Allegation
Fournier Beaudry, a 33-year-old skater from Montreal, breaks down in tears as she recounts the impact of Sorensen’s six-year ban for sexual maltreatment, which was imposed in October 2024 after an investigation into allegations of sexual assault dating back to 2012. Reflecting on the turmoil, she stated in the first episode, “I never really publicly discuss how much damage it’s created. I thought I was so strong, and I really thought I could handle everything. Just felt like collateral damage.”
The suspension followed a complaint made to the now-defunct Office of the Sport Integrity Commissioner (OSIC), which investigated Sorensen in relation to an incident involving an American figure skating coach. Fournier Beaudry, who had been in a relationship with Sorensen for 12 years and skated with him for 13 seasons, felt the repercussions of the allegations deeply, stating, “When they decided to suspend him, it meant that his career was over, which also meant that my career was over.”
Navigating a New Reality
After the ban, Fournier Beaudry made the difficult decision to partner with French skater Guillaume Cizeron. She gained French citizenship in November 2024, a strategic move to continue her career in ice dance. “Everything that I’ve lived for the past year and a half has been a roller-coaster,” she reflected. The duo has quickly established themselves as formidable competitors, recently winning gold at the European Championships in Sheffield, England, with the highest total score of the season.
Despite navigating a challenging transition, Fournier Beaudry remains steadfast in her support for Sorensen. She has publicly defended him since a report by *USA Today* brought the allegations into the spotlight in January 2024. “This was extremely difficult because it was not only about skating, it was about my integrity, it was about his integrity. I know my boyfriend 100 per cent. I know him. And we [stood] strong together,” she asserted.
The Road Ahead
An arbitrator from the Sport Dispute Resolution Centre of Canada (SDRCC) overturned Sorensen’s suspension in June, citing jurisdictional issues related to his citizenship status at the time of the alleged incident. However, the Netflix documentary indicates that the decision remains under appeal. Sorensen has consistently denied the allegations, which have yet to be tested in a court of law.
Fournier Beaudry and Sorensen’s journey has not only highlighted their personal struggles but also the broader complexities of changing national representation in ice dance. The sport often sees athletes switch allegiances due to limited partner availability, as exemplified by Fournier Beaudry’s transition to competing for Canada after facing citizenship hurdles prior to the 2018 Winter Olympics.
Facing Controversy
The documentary also showcases other prominent ice dance duos, including three-time world champions Madison Chock and Evan Bates from the United States, alongside Canada’s own Piper Gilles and Paul Poirier, who have collectively earned four world medals. As Fournier Beaudry and Cizeron prepare for Milan, they will face intense competition from these seasoned athletes.
Cizeron himself has faced controversy, having accused his former partner Gabriella Papadakis of launching a “smear campaign” against him. Papadakis recently published a book detailing her experience with Cizeron, raising further questions about the dynamic within the ice dance community.
Why it Matters
Fournier Beaudry’s candid revelations in *Glitter & Gold* serve as a poignant reminder of the personal battles athletes endure behind the scenes. As the ice dance community gears up for the Winter Olympics, the interplay of sport, personal integrity, and public perception becomes increasingly complex. This documentary not only sheds light on the pressures faced by elite athletes but also underscores the importance of addressing allegations of misconduct within the sporting world. It highlights the need for support systems that protect both the integrity of the sport and the well-being of its athletes.
