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Laurence Fournier Beaudry and Guillaume Cizeron, the dynamic French ice dance pair, are gearing up for their Olympic debut at the Milan Cortina Games, armed with determination and a fresh mindset. After a year filled with personal and professional upheaval, the duo views this moment as a new beginning, ready to step into the spotlight despite the shadows of their past.
A New Chapter Begins
Seated in the Olympic Village, Cizeron expressed a sense of wonder about their journey thus far. “We started a new chapter a year ago,” he remarked, alongside Fournier Beaudry. “Neither of us would have thought that we would be here today, so everything is like a bonus for us.” The pair’s unexpected partnership, forged just 11 months ago, has propelled them into the realm of medal contention, but not without stirring controversy.
Fournier Beaudry, a former Canadian skater, has been in the limelight due to her previous relationship with Nikolaj Sørensen, her ex-partner, who faced allegations of sexual assault dating back to 2012. Following these resurfaced claims, Sørensen received a six-year suspension from Skate Canada, a decision later overturned but still under appeal. Throughout these tumultuous events, Fournier Beaudry has stood by Sørensen, asserting his integrity while navigating the scrutiny that comes with such a complex narrative.
Facing the Critics
Cizeron too has had his share of challenges, particularly following claims made by his former partner Gabriella Papadakis in her recent memoir. In the book, she characterises him as “controlling, demanding and critical,” prompting Cizeron to vehemently reject these assertions as part of a “smear campaign.” The pair’s journey through these challenges has been documented in the Netflix series *Glitter & Gold: Ice Dancing*, which delves into their lives beyond the rink.
Despite these hurdles, the duo is resolute about their focus on performance. “Since the start, a year ago, we’ve been very focused on having a lot of fun on the ice and bringing as much gratefulness as we can to our skating,” Cizeron noted, steering clear of discussions regarding the controversies surrounding them. Their Olympic campaign kicks off on Friday with the rhythm dance in the team event, but their eyes are set on the individual competition, where they aim to dethrone the reigning world champions Madison Chock and Evan Bates.
The Road to the Top
Their rapid ascent in the world of ice dance, an arena typically dominated by partnerships that have years of experience together, can be attributed to their shared passion and curiosity for the sport. “We both have a great curiosity about pushing our limits, and the curiosity to rediscover ourselves with each other,” Fournier Beaudry explained. This eagerness to explore new boundaries has translated into remarkable synergy on the ice, culminating in their triumph at the European Championships with a score of 222.43, edging out their American rivals.
As they prepare for the imminent competitions, Cizeron reflects on their status as potential favourites. “We have our chances, we know we can perform,” he said. “It’s still high-level sport, so we never know what’s going to happen that day. Mistakes happen very quickly, so you can’t make mistakes.” With their eyes firmly set on delivering high-calibre performances, both skaters are aware of the precarious nature of elite competition.
Behind the Curtain
The Netflix documentary also offers insights into the lives of these athletes, showcasing the preparation, challenges, and emotional tolls they face beyond the competitive arena. “People see a lot of what we do in competitions, which is normal, and we wanted to show the preparation, the challenges, a little of the life that we lead, a little bit in the shadows, outside of competition,” Cizeron stated. In one poignant moment, Fournier Beaudry shares her feelings of being “collateral damage” amidst the turmoil surrounding Sørensen’s legal battles, highlighting the deeply personal stakes involved.
Their participation in the documentary allows fans to connect with them on a human level, beyond their on-ice personas. “We are human beings behind this, so it was really a nice project to do,” Fournier Beaudry remarked, emphasising the importance of empathy and understanding in the world of competitive sports.
Why it Matters
As Fournier Beaudry and Cizeron prepare to take the ice at the Milan Cortina Olympics, their journey embodies the resilience and complexity of athletes navigating the pressures of high-stakes competition amidst personal controversies. Their story serves as a reminder that behind the glitter of Olympic dreams lies a human experience filled with challenges, triumphs, and the pursuit of passion. This Olympics is not just about medals; it’s about the narratives that shape the sport and the athletes who embody them.
