Guillaume Cizeron: “I decided to leave the matter in my lawyers’ hands and keep moving forward, because there are great experiences ahead in the coming weeks and months. I want to enjoy them.”
Guillaume Cizeron shared his thoughts on the upcoming release of his former partner Gabriella Papadakis’s book, which comes out Thursday.
original source: lequipe.fr dd. 15th January 2026 by Celine Novy
Guillaume Cizeron and Laurence Fournier Beaudry addressed the release of Gabriella Papadakis’s book, emphasizing their focus on competition and the strength of their partnership despite recent controversy. Here’s a translation of their comments posted on L’Equipe.
Q: How are you approaching these European Championships?
Guillaume Cizeron: We’ve worked very hard since Christmas. We made quite a few changes, especially in our rhythm dance. We’re eager to show them here. Of course, we’ve also continued to refine our free dance.
Laurence Fournier Beaudry: And these are our first European Championships together. We’re really enjoying the week and the sessions we’ve had so far. It’s getting us into the rhythm.
Q: Guillaume, it’s been six years since your last European Championships (2nd in 2020 after five consecutive titles)…
Guillaume Cizeron: Yes, it’s been a few years. Six years? I don’t even remember. It just shows I don’t cling to medals (he smiles). It feels like we’ve done these competitions a million times, but each time is a little new. We get nervous, we’re stressed, and we want to do well. It’s always the same story.
Q: Still, the context is special with the release of Gabriella Papadakis’s book, whom you issued a formal notice to on Tuesday… How are you both handling the situation?
Guillaume Cizeron: I’ve already spoken a bit about it. It’s been difficult because these are simply disparaging and defamatory remarks. Despite the respect and compassion I have for Gabriella, I can’t tolerate this kind of statement about me.
What’s important to me is that we can focus on our competitions and not spoil these beautiful moments we’re experiencing together (with Laurence Fournier Beaudry). That’s why I decided to leave the matter in my lawyers’ hands and keep moving forward, because there are great experiences ahead in the coming weeks and months. I want to enjoy them.
Q: Guillaume, has this destabilized you in recent weeks?
Guillaume Cizeron: (hesitates) It affects me, of course. It would be hard to say otherwise. All this makes me realize how well supported I am. It refocuses me on what’s important – on the relationships I’ve built, the trust and respect I have with those around me, with Laurence, my coaches, the federation, and everyone who has helped make me who I am today and continues to be part of my career and our story. I think these relationships go beyond sport, beyond the goals we set. That’s what matters most to me.
Q: Laurence, how has this affected you?
Laurence Fournier Beaudry: I’ve known Guillaume for a very long time. He has tremendous emotional intelligence and is very centered. Sport helps us stay focused on training, on competitions, and on the positive things we build and experience together. That’s what keeps us moving forward. We’re looking forward to seeing what we can do this week and what we can bring to the Olympics by giving our best and continuing to share the passion and love we have together.
Q: Did you have to reassure Guillaume?
Laurence Fournier Beaudry: (laughs) I’d say no, not at all. When you dance, you’re a team on and off the ice. That’s what we developed from the very beginning of our partnership, something we already had but have deepened. That’s how we get through everything together.
Related topics: European Championships, Gabriella Papadakis, Guillaume Cizeron, Laurence Fournier Beaudry
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