Former Olympian Papadakis Responds to Ex-Partner Cizeron's Gold Medal Win

Papadakis accuses Cizeron of being "controlling, demanding, critical" during their time as ice dancing partners.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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French ice dancer Guillaume Cizeron and his partner, Laurence Fournier Beaudry, won the gold medal in the free dance at the 2026 Winter Olympics. However, Cizeron's former partner, Gabriella Papadakis, is not interested in celebrating his victory. Papadakis, a retired Olympian, has accused Cizeron of being "controlling, demanding, critical" during their time as partners and says she eventually refused to skate with him without a coach present, feeling she was "under his grip." Cizeron has denied Papadakis' allegations, calling them a "smear campaign." Papadakis has been outspoken about the unhealthy culture in ice dancing, where she believes men hold most of the power.

Why it matters

This story highlights the ongoing tensions and controversies surrounding the ice dancing community, particularly the power dynamics between male and female partners. Papadakis' accusations against her former partner Cizeron raise questions about the treatment of female athletes and the need for greater accountability and reform in the sport.

The details

Papadakis, 30, has accused Cizeron, 31, of being "controlling, demanding, critical" during their time as ice dancing partners. She eventually refused to skate with him without a coach present, feeling she was "under his grip." Cizeron has denied Papadakis' allegations, calling them a "smear campaign" and saying the book contains "false information." Papadakis has also taken aim at the culture around ice dancing, explaining that it lends itself to an environment where men have all the power. She says she had to end her competitive career because she could no longer tolerate the abuse.

  • Cizeron and his partner Laurence Fournier Beaudry won the gold medal in the free dance on Wednesday, February 11, 2026.
  • Papadakis posted on Instagram on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, saying "Logging off xxx" alongside a photo of a pack of cigarettes and a glass of wine.

The players

Guillaume Cizeron

A French ice dancer who won the gold medal in the free dance at the 2026 Winter Olympics, competing with partner Laurence Fournier Beaudry.

Gabriella Papadakis

A retired Olympian who was formerly Cizeron's ice dancing partner. She has accused Cizeron of being "controlling, demanding, critical" during their time as partners.

Laurence Fournier Beaudry

Cizeron's current ice dancing partner, with whom he won the gold medal at the 2026 Winter Olympics.

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What they’re saying

“In the face of this smear campaign, I want to express my incomprehension and disagreement with the labels attributed to me. The book contains false information, including statements I never made, which I consider serious. For more than 20 years, I have shown deep respect for Gabriella Papadakis, despite the gradual erosion of our bond, our relationship was built on equal collaboration and marked by success and mutual support.”

— Guillaume Cizeron (French media)

“The environment I was working in had become deeply unhealthy. I was exhausted, physically and psychologically, and I had to leave to protect myself. I had no choice.”

— Gabriella Papadakis (Papadakis' memoir)

“I'm sharing my experiences because I believe in a sport where young athletes don't have to endure what I did in order to achieve their dreams. It is however incredibly difficult to make sport safer when survivors' voices are still being silenced. I had to end my competitive career because I could no longer tolerate abuse. And now, as a result of speaking up about it I've lost my job.”

— Gabriella Papadakis (Instagram)

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing power dynamics and abuse allegations within the ice dancing community, raising questions about the need for greater accountability, transparency, and reform to protect the well-being of athletes, especially female partners. Papadakis' decision to speak out, despite the personal and professional consequences, underscores the challenges survivors face in calling out mistreatment in sports.