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Cizeron and Beaudry Team Up for 2026 Olympics

  //sports-competition.news-articles.net/content/2 .. zeron-and-beaudry-team-up-for-2026-olympics.html
  Published in Sports and Competition on Wednesday, February 11th 2026 at 19:17 GMT by Sporting News
      Locales: CANADA, FRANCE

Milan/Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy - February 12th, 2026 - The world of figure skating is buzzing with anticipation as Olympic gold medalist Guillaume Cizeron has officially partnered with Canadian ice dancer Laurence Beaudry, setting their sights on the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo. This unexpected yet intriguing pairing marks a significant shift in the landscape of ice dance, promising a new dynamic and a potentially formidable force on the international stage.

For years, Cizeron was half of one of the most celebrated ice dance partnerships in history alongside Gabriella Papadakis. Their artistic expression, innovative choreography, and technical prowess captivated audiences and judges alike, culminating in a stunning gold medal at the 2018 Pyeongchang Olympics and a silver at the 2022 Beijing Games. The dissolution of that legendary partnership earlier this year left a void in the ice dance world, and speculation ran rampant regarding Cizeron's next move.

That move, as announced several months ago and now gaining momentum as the Olympic qualifying season nears, is with Laurence Beaudry. Beaudry, formerly representing Canada, brings a wealth of experience to the table, having competed at the 2022 Winter Olympics with partner Nikolas Pasquale. While their finish of 16th didn't reflect championship contention, Beaudry's skills and dedication are undeniable. Her decision to relocate and partner with Cizeron represents a bold career move, and a testament to the potential she sees in this new collaboration.

A Transatlantic Partnership: Navigating the Challenges

The formation of this duo is not without its complexities. Beaudry's transition from representing Canada to France introduces logistical and competitive hurdles. While athlete nationality changes are not uncommon, they require navigating the regulations of both the International Skating Union (ISU) and the national federations. This includes fulfilling residency requirements and adhering to specific waiting periods before being eligible to compete for their new country. The ISU has recently tightened rules around athlete transfers, making the process more stringent and ensuring fair competition.

Furthermore, building a cohesive partnership requires significant time and effort, particularly when the skaters come from different training backgrounds and cultures. Cizeron and Beaudry are currently training in Montreal, Canada, before a planned move to France to fully integrate into the French skating system. They will need to synchronize their skating styles, develop a shared artistic vision, and build the seamless connection that defines successful ice dance teams. The language barrier, while reportedly not a significant issue (both are fluent in English), will still require conscious effort to overcome.

Debut and Road to Milan-Cortina

The pressure is on as Cizeron and Beaudry prepare for their highly anticipated debut at the Grand Prix de France in November. This event will serve as a crucial proving ground, allowing them to showcase their early progress and assess their competitive readiness. The Grand Prix series is the primary qualifying pathway for the World Championships, which in turn determines Olympic qualification spots.

Competition in ice dance is fierce, with established teams from Russia, the United States, and Canada all vying for Olympic glory. The Italian team of Charlene Guignard and Marco Fabbri, recent world champions, will be particularly strong contenders on their home ice. Cizeron and Beaudry will need to consistently deliver strong performances and demonstrate a clear upward trajectory to secure a spot among the top teams. The ISU's judging system, which combines technical marks with program component scores, emphasizes both athleticism and artistry, meaning Cizeron and Beaudry must excel in all aspects of their performance.

What this Partnership Means for the Future of Ice Dance

This pairing is more than just a new team; it's a signal of evolving dynamics within the sport. The willingness of skaters to cross borders and embrace new partnerships reflects a growing globalization of figure skating. Cizeron's decision to continue competing at the highest level, even after the end of his partnership with Papadakis, demonstrates his passion for the sport and his commitment to pushing its boundaries. Beaudry's ambition and talent, combined with Cizeron's experience and star power, could create a truly captivating and competitive force. All eyes will be on Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo to see if this new duo can live up to the immense expectations and etch their names into Olympic history.