Winter Olympics 2026: Who is Benoit Richaud? Meet figure skating’s kiss and cry royalty, and artist of the ice
If you think becoming a Winter Olympian sounds like an exhausting, relentless dedication to an emotionally and physically intense life, try coaching 16 of them.
Eagle-eyed viewers of the figure skating men’s short program final on Sunday may have experienced déjà vu when cameras showcased Georgian skater Nika Egadze beside his coach, who minutes later, donned a Team Canada coat to embrace Stephen Gogolev. Meet Benoit Richaud, the man poised to appear more than anyone else at Milano Cortina 2026.
Coaching two of the five competitors in the men’s final, Richaud is simultaneously working with several other athletes from diverse backgrounds. With a total of 16 skaters from 13 different nations, he truly embodies the international spirit of these Winter Games.
The 38-year-old has become a prolific figure in the artistic landscape of competitive skating. It is common for coaches to share their expertise across international lines; the rules permit them to work with athletes from different nations regardless of competition.
Benoit Richaud stands out not just for his coaching skills but also for his striking wardrobe changes. Captivating onlookers with a wardrobe of national team coats, he seamlessly transitions from one skater to the next, embodying the essence of behind-the-scenes creativity.
“It’s an organization,” Richaud said about managing his busy schedule. “It’s going to be fast.”
Settling in in Italy, Richaud has spent recent years relying on the Courmayeur Sport Centre, honing the talents of Olympic hopefuls and adding a touch of insightful artistry to their skating routines.
“Olympics, it’s the grail, the most important, so I want to come with something different,” Richaud elaborated. His vision transcends classical choreography; it’s about connecting skating to the larger realm of art.
Notable performances have emerged under his direction, drawing influence from iconic artists like Vincent van Gogh while embracing the elegance of abstract minimalism.
Skaters have described their sessions as therapeutic; Richaud’s approach acts as a channel for emotional connection through storytelling.
“It’s a blessing to have such a feeling,” he reflected. “Watching figure skating can give them something different…the opportunity to reconnect with true emotion.”
