Charlène Guignard’s Final Olympic Dance: A Unique Opportunity

As the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics 2026 approach, Charlène Guignard stands on the brink of her final Olympic dance. The 36-year-old skater has deep connections to both her Breton roots and her adopted Italian home. For Guignard, this marks her fourth appearance at the Winter Games, a unique opportunity to compete in familiar surroundings.

Charlène Guignard: A Journey Roots in Brittany and Branches in Milan

Guignard resides just fifteen minutes from the Mediolanum Forum, the venue for this year’s figure skating events. Her connection to the arena is profound, as she trains regularly on the rink designated for short track during the Olympics. “It will feel strange to compete in a place so familiar to us,” she said, while observing the ongoing transformation of Milan ahead of the games.

Preparation Away from the Spotlight

Despite her busy schedule, which included a European Championship where she won silver, Guignard took time to return to her homeland during the holidays. She felt the need to reconnect with her family in Brest. “I needed to recharge and enjoy some time with my brothers and my mom,” she shared.

A Defining Pairing with Marco Fabbri

Since 2010, Guignard has formed a strong partnership with Marco Fabbri, both on the ice and in their personal lives. The duo has consistently aimed to push their limits, achieving significant accomplishments together. They are arguably the most experienced couple in the competition, having competed together for over a decade.

• First Olympic appearance: Sochi 2014
• Rankings in previous Olympics: 14th, 10th, and 5th
• Recent success: European titles and World Championship silver medal

The Motivation of a Unique Opportunity

Competing in their home city adds a layer of motivation for Guignard and Fabbri. “This is a unique chance,” Guignard noted. “We might have stepped back if the Olympics weren’t here.” Their journey has been filled with uncertainty, but recent victories fueled their drive to qualify.

The Quest for Olympic Glory

Guignard and Fabbri aim to secure an Olympic medal, despite challenges like the surprising return of French skater Guillaume Cizeron. While the competition is fierce, Guignard remains determined. “Our goal is to skate our best and showcase who we are,” she said. “Of course, we are here to win a medal.”

Key Facts about Charlène Guignard

As her Olympic journey unfolds, Charlène Guignard carries not only the hopes of a medal but also the weight of her unique life experiences. From her early days in Brest to her current status in Milan, she embodies the spirit of perseverance and passion in the figure skating world.