In a thrilling showdown at the ISU Figure Skating European Championships 2026 held on January 17th in Sheffield, Laurence Fournier Beaudry and Guillaume Cizeron of France emerged victorious, marking their debut as a team at this European event. This new pairing demonstrated exceptional skill and artistry, impressing both the crowd and judges alike as they delivered a breathtaking performance in the ice dance free program.
The dynamic French duo secured the gold medal with a remarkable total score of 222.43, including a personal best in the free dance segment which earned them 135.50 points. Their exciting display not only showcases their individual talent but also signals their readiness to contend at the upcoming Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games.
Italian ice dancers Charlene Guignard and Marco Fabbri, three-time defending champions, faced fierce competition this year and were ultimately crowned silver medalists with a combined score of 210.34, securing 125.86 points in their free dance routine. Although they fell short of retaining the title, their performance highlighted their continued strength and experience on the ice.
The host nation proudly cheered on their skaters, with Great Britain’s Lilah Fear and Lewis Gibson clinching the bronze medal. The pair garnered applause for their execution and flair, finishing with a score of 209.51 and a free dance score of 124.04. Despite the weight of expectations, the emotional performance captivated the home crowd and provided a memorable moment for their supporters.
Other notable placements included Evgeniia Lopareva and Geoffrey Brissaud of France in fourth with 204.72, and Allison Reed alongside Saulius Ambrulevicius from Lithuania rounding out the top five with 200.29.
The championships proved to be a platform not just for medals, but also for setting the stage for the next Olympic season. The performances displayed at the ISU Figure Skating European Championships spoke volumes about the evolving landscape of elite ice dance.
