Fournier Beaudry Granted French Citizenship, Set to Compete at Milan-Cortina Olympics
In a significant turn of events for the world of professional figure skating, Laurence Fournier Beaudry proudly announced her new status as a French citizen on Saturday. The 33-year-old, originally from Canada, is now eligible to represent France at the upcoming Milan-Cortina Olympics, joining forces with her partner, Guillaume Cizeron.
This announcement follows the decision of Olympic ice dance champion Cizeron to team up with Fournier Beaudry. This change comes in the wake of her prior partner, Nikolaj Sorensen, being suspended for six years due to allegations of “sexual maltreatment.” Fournier Beaudry’s transition to French citizenship marks not only a personal triumph but also a strategic move as she aims for Olympic glory.
In a heartfelt post on Instagram, Fournier Beaudry expressed her emotions, stating, “It’s official: I’m now French. An immense joy, and especially a great gratitude to all those who have accompanied me on this beautiful journey since the very beginning.”
The pathway of switching national allegiances is not uncommon in figure skating. Both ice dance and pairs skating frequently see skaters change countries due to the often limited availability of suitable partners. This has become a strategic necessity for many athletes in pursuit of national representation.
Cizeron, at 30, has an impressive track record. Alongside previous partner Gabriella Papadakis, he secured the gold medal at the 2022 Beijing Olympic Games, along with five world championships. However, he announced his retirement alongside Papadakis in December 2024, paving the way for a new chapter with Fournier Beaudry.
This renewal in partnership recently bore fruit as they clinched gold at the Grand Prix de France last month, proving their compatibility and skill on the ice. As the skating community eagerly anticipates their Olympic debut, the potential for an exciting performance at the 2026 Milan-Cortina games becomes brighter with this dynamic duo.
