Olympic Controversy Explained: Who Are Skaters Beaudry and Cizeron?
The recent Winter Olympics showcased an intense rivalry in figure skating, particularly surrounding the performance of French skaters Laurence Fournier Beaudry and Guillaume Cizeron. The duo claimed the gold medal in the Olympic free-dance event, narrowly defeating American champions Madison Chock and Evan Bates by just 1.43 points. However, their victory has sparked considerable controversy and debate.
Background of Beaudry and Cizeron
Laurence Fournier Beaudry and Guillaume Cizeron formed their skating partnership merely a year ago. Both skaters arrived at this point after navigating their own tumultuous pasts. Beaudry’s previous partner, Nikolaj Sørensen, faced a six-year suspension due to allegations of sexual assault. Cizeron’s former partner, Gabriella Papadakis, retired amid claims of abusive behavior during their career.
Controversial Pasts
- Laurence Fournier Beaudry: Formerly skated for Canada; has defended Sørensen since his suspension.
- Guillaume Cizeron: Ex-partner Papadakis accused him of coldness; has publicly refuted her claims as defamatory.
Cizeron, who previously enjoyed unparalleled success with Papadakis, made the surprising decision to come out of retirement this spring. He and Beaudry disclosed that they felt they had unfinished business in competitive skating.
The Controversial Win
During the free dance event in Milan, Beaudry and Cizeron delivered a performance that attracted mixed reviews. Many spectators noted errors in their routine. Despite this, French judge Jézabel Dabois awarded them a significantly higher score, raising eyebrows among fans. Dabois was the only judge in a nine-member panel to score Chock and Bates below 130 points, which many perceived as unfair.
Fan Reactions and Official Standpoints
Fans of Chock and Bates expressed their dissatisfaction with the outcome. They have called on the International Skating Union (ISU) to review the judging process. However, the ISU stood firm, declaring that variations in scores among judges are typical and asserting their confidence in the results.
Social Media Response
Following the controversial win, Papadakis made a vague Instagram post that seemed to comment on the situation, garnering support from her followers. Many expressed empathy for her feelings amidst the ongoing drama involving Cizeron and Beaudry.
As Beaudry and Cizeron celebrate their success, the questions surrounding their ethics and the integrity of Olympic figure skating continue to loom large. The scorn and scrutiny they face may cast a long shadow over their newly minted championship.
