Table of Contents
In the upcoming Netflix docuseries titled Glitter & Gold: Ice Dancing, figure skater Laurence Fournier Beaudry reveals her emotional turmoil following serious allegations against her former ice dance partner and boyfriend, Nikolaj Sørensen. This documentary, set against the backdrop of their intertwined professional and personal relationship, offers a poignant insight into the complexities of competitive sports and personal integrity.
As the 2026 Milan-Cortina Olympics approach, Fournier Beaudry reflects on significant changes in her life and career. Premiering on February 1, the docuseries follows several top ice dancing pairs, including Fournier Beaudry and her new partner, Guillaume Cizeron, as they navigate the pressures of elite competition.
The impact of allegations
Fournier Beaudry’s emotional struggle is evident as she discusses the fallout from the allegations against Sørensen, who received a six-year ban for sexual maltreatment. In the first episode, she admits, “I never really publicly discuss about how much damage it’s created. I don’t even want to go back to what I’ve felt in those moments because I thought I was so strong, and I really thought I could handle everything. Just felt like collateral damage.” Her statements underscore the often-unseen consequences of such accusations.
Career crossroads
Fournier Beaudry’s decision to switch national representation to compete with Cizeron followed Sørensen’s suspension in. This suspension resulted from an investigation by the now-defunct Office of the Sport Integrity Commissioner (OSIC), which examined allegations of an assault from 2012. Despite publicly supporting her boyfriend throughout the ordeal, Fournier Beaudry found herself at a career crossroads. “When they decided to suspend him, it meant that his career was over, which also meant that my career was over,” she explained.
Despite the turmoil, she remained steadfast in her support, stating, “This was extremely difficult because it was not only about skating, it was about my integrity, it was about his integrity. I know my boyfriend 100 percent. I know him. And we stood strong together.” This unwavering support highlights the complexities of personal relationships within the high-stakes world of sports.
Legal challenges and ongoing disputes
The legal ramifications of the case continue to evolve. An arbitrator from the Sport Dispute Resolution Centre of Canada (SDRCC) overturned Sørensen’s suspension in June, citing jurisdictional issues. At the time of the alleged incident, he was neither a Canadian citizen nor competing for Skate Canada. However, the ruling is under appeal, and the SDRCC maintains strict policies against disclosing details regarding ongoing cases.
Future aspirations
Fournier Beaudry now shifts her focus to her Olympic aspirations with Cizeron. After obtaining French citizenship in November, she aims for success in Milan, expressing a desire to continue her career after a tumultuous period. “The plan was to continue my career with Nik and go to Milan Cortina and enjoy our last season together,” she recalled. “But that’s not what happened. Everything that I’ve lived for the past year and a half has been a roller-coaster.”
As they prepare for the Olympics, Fournier Beaudry and Cizeron recently secured gold at the European Championships in Sheffield, England, showcasing their potential as serious contenders.
Meanwhile, Cizeron has encountered his own controversies, including accusations from his former partner, Gabriella Papadakis, of orchestrating a “smear campaign” against her. Her recent book presents a challenging portrayal of their collaboration, adding another layer to the drama surrounding elite figure skating.
The forthcoming docuseries is set to illuminate not only the competitive aspects of ice dancing but also the personal sacrifices and trials athletes face behind the scenes, making it a compelling watch for fans and followers of the sport.