After two decades at the top of their artistic sport, Olympic champions Gabriella Papadakis and Guillaume Cizeron have announced their retirement. The French duo, who secured five world titles and an Olympic gold medal, are stepping away from competitive ice dancing at the peak of their success.
Olympic ice dancing champions Gabriella Papadakis and Guillaume Cizeron have announced their retirement from competitive figure skating, marking the end of a remarkable two-decade career that has left an indelible mark on the sport. The French duo, who captured Olympic gold in Beijing 2022 and silver in Pyeongchang 2018, confirmed their decision on Tuesday through a heartfelt statement.
At 29 and 30 years old, Papadakis and Cizeron leave behind a legacy of unparalleled success. Over the course of their illustrious partnership, they claimed five world titles, a feat that cemented their dominance on the international stage. The pair also amassed five European titles, further solidifying their reputation as one of the most accomplished ice dancing teams in history. Their performances have redefined the sport, known for their impeccable technique, emotional depth, and seamless artistry, which captivated audiences worldwide.
“It is with immense gratitude that we decide to turn the page,” the duo wrote in their statement. “A huge thank you to our fans for the pleasure they shared with us on the ice. We take away wonderful memories.”
Since their victory at the 2022 World Championships in Montpellier, France, Papadakis and Cizeron had not competed in any major events. After their Olympic success, they took a break from competition, citing the need for rest after 17 years of elite training. While they continued to perform in ice shows worldwide, they never fully ruled out the possibility of a return to competitive skating.
However, after much reflection, the pair announced they would “go their separate ways” and officially retire from the sport. Their partnership began in 2005 when they were children in Clermont-Ferrand, France. Gabriella’s mother, Catherine Papadakis, who also served as their first coach, was instrumental in bringing them together as a team.
“We could not have dreamed of a more beautiful career,” they shared. “We owe this career to our coaches, our parents, our federation, our choreographers, physical and mental coaches, costume designers, agents, physiotherapists, doctors, supporters, journalists... without whom we would never have reached the highest level of our art.”
Looking ahead, the next Winter Olympics will be held in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo in 2026. However, with their retirement, Papadakis and Cizeron are closing the door on their competitive careers, leaving behind a legacy that will inspire future generations of ice dancers and elevate the sport to new heights.
With AFP
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