France’s Laurence Fournier Beaudry and Guillaume Cizeron shocked the world on February 9, 2026, edging America’s three-time world champions Madison Chock and Evan Bates in the Olympic rhythm dance at Milano Cortina. The French duo scored a stunning 90.18 points versus the Americans’ impressive 89.72, marking a dramatic upset by just 0.46 points.
🔥 Quick Facts
- French Duo Lead: Fournier Beaudry and Cizeron set personal best with 90.18 points in individual rhythm dance
- American Defense: Chock and Bates scored 89.72 just hours after winning gold medal with Team USA
- Narrow Margin: Less than half a point separates first and second place heading into free dance
- Historic Achievement: France broke the 90-point barrier for first time since announcing partnership less than a year ago
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Laurence Fournier Beaudry and Guillaume Cizeron delivered a performance that left the Milano Ice Skating Arena speechless on Monday evening. The French pair, who became 2026 European champions and only announced their partnership last year, elevated their game beyond expectations. Their “Vogue” program featured precision twizzles, perfectly executed rotation lifts, and an upgraded pattern dance step sequence rated level four. “We’ve been working hard the whole season to get over 90,” Fournier Beaudry stated, expressing pure joy at the breakthrough moment.
The crowd’s energy amplified their performance as French ice hockey players sat in the stands cheering loudly enough to unsettle some competitors. Cizeron acknowledged the challenge, noting how important the team event experience became in managing the intense crowd support. Their chemistry on ice proved undeniable as judges rewarded their every movement.
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Madison Chock and Evan Bates returned to competition less than 24 hours after winning team event gold medals with Team USA. The reigning world champions skated with intensity and determination, scoring 89.72 points in their Lenny Kravitz medley. Despite their powerful performance featuring speed, clarity, and confidence, a level-three grade on their pattern dance step sequence cost them crucial points.
“I’d say a 10. We were really fired up, we were really excited to be out there,” Chock told reporters, praising their execution. “It felt like one of our best skates of the entire season, and we just had a lot of fun.” Johnny Weir’s commentary captured their hunger, stating “I have never seen them skate that determined. They are not going to let anyone steal this medal without a fight.”
Complete Standings and Technical Breakdown
Canada’s Piper Gilles and Paul Poirier, the world silver medalists, claimed third place with 86.18 points. Britain’s Lilah Fear and Lewis Gibson finished fourth at 85.47 points, while Italy’s Charlene Guignard and Marco Fabbri rounded out the top five with 84.28 points. Twenty teams qualified for Wednesday’s free dance competition, where medals will be decided.
| Position | Team | Score |
| 1st | Fournier Beaudry/Cizeron (FRA) | 90.18 |
| 2nd | Chock/Bates (USA) | 89.72 |
| 3rd | Gilles/Poirier (CAN) | 86.18 |
| 4th | Fear/Gibson (GBR) | 85.47 |
“That was a gorgeous dance from start to finish. It felt like there wasn’t an eyelash out of place, the way that they push and pull off each other so smoothly. There’s no tension.”
— Johnny Weir, NBC Commentator
Free Dance Promise Epic Battle for Ice Dance Gold
Wednesday’s free dance will determine ice dance medals at Milano Cortina 2026. With only 0.46 points separating Fournier Beaudry-Cizeron from Chock-Bates, the competition remains wide open. Chock expressed unwavering confidence, saying, “The game is always on. You should know us by now, we’re not changing anything. We got this locked in, we know ourselves, we know our routine. We got this.” The free dance will be held at the Milano Ice Skating Arena on February 11, with NBC and Peacock providing live coverage.
What Does Wednesday’s Free Dance Mean for Olympic History?
This rhythm dance result marks a significant moment in ice dance competition as the newly formed French partnership challenges the American dynasty. Chock and Bates won both segments of the team event held on February 8, but the individual rhythm dance showed they’re vulnerable. Fournier Beaudry and Cizeron proved their partnership isn’t just a flash in the pan, having won the 2026 European Championships and now leading at the Olympics. The free dance, typically accounting for heavier scoring, will test whether France can maintain their advantage or if America’s experience and intensity overtake them. History suggests the battle will be close, thrilling, and worthy of Olympic gold.
Sources
- Olympics.com – Official ice dance rhythm dance results and athlete interviews from Milano Cortina 2026
- NBC Sports – Broadcast commentary, official notes and quotes from February 9 coverage
- USA Today – Final scores and standings for rhythm dance competition at Winter Olympics 2026
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