A stunning upset has shaken the 2026 Winter Olympics ice dance landscape. Laurence Fournier Beaudry and Guillaume Cizeron of France just edged defending champions Madison Chock and Evan Bates of the USA in the rhythm dance with a personal best 90.18 to 89.72, setting up a dramatic free dance showdown on Wednesday night in Milan.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Beaudry/Cizeron Score: 90.18 points, a personal best in the rhythm dance
- Chock/Bates Gap: Trailing by just 0.46 points after day one
- Partnership Age: French duo teamed up only in March 2025
- Free Dance Timing: Final round scheduled for February 11 at 1:30 PM EST
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The ice dance world was rocked Monday night when France’s surprise pairing delivered a masterclass in precision and style. Cizeron, the former Olympic champion with his previous partner, has found new magic alongside recently recruited Laurence Fournier Beaudry, a Canadian-born skater now representing France. Together, they posted the only score in the 90-point range across all 23 competing teams. Their rhythmic footwork and synchronized movements captivated judges at Milano Ice Skating Arena.
The performance was all the more shocking because these two skaters have been together for less than a year. Fournier Beaudry previously competed for Canada before switching to France. The 2026 European champions are now just one competition away from the gold medal in their breakthrough Olympic appearance together.
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Chock and Bates were not rattled by the surprise. The three-time World champions and reigning world gold medalists showed poise after their rhythm dance, finishing just 0.46 points behind the leaders. This is the first Olympics where Chock and Bates are competing as a married couple, adding another layer to their rivalry. Technical issues during their routine resulted in a downgrade on one element, but they still delivered a solid foundation for Wednesday’s free dance.
Coach Geoffrey Brissaud and their team remain confident heading into the final round. Free dance typically allows for higher scores because skaters have more creative freedom. If Chock and Bates execute flawlessly, they could overtake the French duo for the gold medal.
Olympic Ice Dance Standings After Rhythm Dance
| Rank | Team | Country | Score |
| 1 | Beaudry/Cizeron | France | 90.18 |
| 2 | Chock/Bates | USA | 89.72 |
| 3 | Gilles/Poirier | Canada | 86.18 |
“The duo, who teamed up last March, kept up their breakneck speed to the top of the ice dance world.”
— Reuters, Figure Skating Report
The 1990s Music Theme and Creative Edge
The 2026 Olympic rhythm dance features a special theme celebrating 1990s music and culture. Skaters have embraced everything from Madonna to the Spice Girls in their choreography. Beaudry and Cizeron capitalized on this creative opportunity, delivering a routine that felt fresh and energetic. Other teams are scrambling to match their artistic interpretation ahead of Wednesday’s final round. The free dance on February 11 will determine the medal count, with each team ready to leave everything on the ice.
This competition perfectly illustrates why ice dance has become one of the most unpredictable and thrilling events at the Winter Olympics. Team USA dominated the team event earlier this week, but individual pairs tell a completely different story.
Can Chock and Bates Reclaim Gold on Wednesday Night?
The stage is set for a dramatic climax. Chock and Bates have proven track record of delivering under pressure, and they know exactly what they need to achieve. The free dance allows for longer, more elaborate choreography and typically showcases the skating skills that judges reward. If the Americans can silence any doubts and execute cleanly, gold could still be theirs. But will the French pair have an even stronger performance ready?
Fans around the world are buzzing about Wednesday night. Will defending world champions Chock and Bates extend American dominance in ice dance, or will France’s stunning newcomers pull off the biggest upset of these Games? The answer comes Wednesday at 1:30 PM Eastern Time, when the final skate of the ice dance competition airs live on USA Network.
Sources
- Olympics.com – Official 2026 Milano Cortina ice dance results and competition coverage
- AP News – Breaking coverage of Beaudry, Cizeron victory over Chock, Bates in rhythm dance
- Forbes Sports – Olympic ice dance results analysis and standings update
Michael Brown is a seasoned sports journalist bringing years of experience covering professional athletics and sporting culture. With a keen eye for breaking stories and player dynamics, this veteran journalist delivers in-depth analysis and exclusive insights from the world’s biggest sporting events. His passion for the game shines through in every story, keeping fans connected to the action both on and off the field.