Laurence Fournier Beaudry revealed on Saturday that she had obtained French citizenship, paving the way for the 33-year-old Canadian-born athlete to represent France at the upcoming Milan-Cortina Olympics alongside her partner Guillaume Cizeron. The decision came after Olympic ice dance champion Cizeron announced his partnership with Fournier Beaudry following the suspension of her former partner, Nikolaj Sorensen, for “sexual maltreatment.”
Taking to Instagram, Fournier Beaudry expressed her excitement about the official change in citizenship, having previously competed for Denmark as well. She expressed immense joy and gratitude towards those who have supported her throughout her journey.
In the realm of ice dance and pairs figure skating, switching national allegiances is a common practice due to the limited availability of partners. Cizeron, aged 30, and Gabriella Papadakis, claimed the gold medal at the 2022 Beijing Olympics and secured five world titles before retiring in December 2024. Cizeron made a comeback to the sport earlier this year alongside Fournier Beaudry, culminating in a victory at the Grand Prix de France last month.