Winter Olympics Figure Skater Loses Points for Wardrobe Malfunction
A wardrobe malfunction during the Winter Olympics has overshadowed figure skater Gabriella Papadakis’s noteworthy performance. This unfortunate incident occurred at the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics. While competing in the ice dance event with her partner, Guillaume Cizeron, Papadakis experienced an embarrassing moment that she described as her “worst nightmare.”
Details of the Wardrobe Malfunction
The incident took place at the Gangneung Ice Arena. During their routine, Cizeron performed a twirl around Papadakis, which unintentionally caused her costume to loosen. This resulted in her nipple being exposed mid-performance, a scenario she never imagined would happen.
Impact on Performance and Scoring
Despite the wardrobe malfunction, the French duo received an impressive score of 81.93 from the judges, placing them in second position after the first segment of their competition. They finished the event with a cumulative score of 205.28, ultimately securing a silver medal.
- Event: Ice Dance at the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics
- Initial Score: 81.93
- Final Score: 205.28
- Medal Won: Silver
Cizeron later expressed his frustration over the malfunction, indicating that it likely cost them crucial points. He reflected on how the incident affected their focus during the performance, particularly during delicate movements.
Aftermath and Future Plans
Four years later, both skaters managed to rebound from this incident, achieving gold at the Beijing Olympics, defeating competitors Victoria Sinitsina and Nikita Katsalapov. However, their professional relationship faced strain, culminating in their retirement in December 2024 after two decades of collaboration.
Controversy and Reactions
Following their retirement, Papadakis faced professional challenges when her role as a commentator for NBC was rescinded. This decision came after allegations in her memoir titled ‘So as Not to Disappear,’ where she described Cizeron as “controlling” and “demanding.” Cizeron vehemently denied these claims, labeling them a “smear campaign.”
Papadakis expressed her disappointment about losing the commentator position, stating she felt unprepared for the backlash following the release of her memoir.
Looking Forward
As the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics approach, fans eagerly anticipate seeing how athletes will manage their performances under pressure. The event is scheduled to run from February 6 to February 22, 2026, offering over 850 hours of coverage on discovery+.
