Laurence Fournier Beaudry and Guillaume Cizeron : "When you get close to the end, there’s a bit of fear of that emptiness"

Just days before the World Championships in Prague, Laurence Fournier Beaudry and Guillaume Cizeron spoke during a press conference. Olympic champions a few weeks earlier, they are the only gold medalists from Milan to have chosen to extend their season through Worlds, a goal set from the very beginning of the year. It will also be their first World Championships together.

The transition after the Games has not been easy. Between the media tour, a gala in Lithuania and a bout of flu that affected them both, recovery has been limited. Their actual return to training only dates back two weeks. “Of course, the first few days back in training sting a bit, but we get back into it quite quickly,” Guillaume explains. “We’re so well trained that it’s really just about getting back to an adequate level of physical condition.”

Continuing on to Worlds has also played an important role mentally. Laurence points out that it helped them avoid the typical post-Olympic letdown: “It meant we were able to keep enjoying the time without thinking, ‘What is happening? What am I doing with my life?’” She adds: “That’s what kept us from falling into a post-Olympic depression.”

Despite the late restart, their sensations came back quickly. “We are athletes at heart,” Laurence reminds. The duo therefore approaches the event with confidence, supported by strong training sessions and a certain sense of release typical of the end of a season.

“We know we are the favorites, so there is a bit less pressure,” Guillaume says. The objective remains clear: “As competitors, we are a bit like medal hunters.” Beyond the result, however, they emphasize the pleasure of performing and showcasing programs they now fully master.

These World Championships also mark the end of a chapter. Still, no decision has been made regarding what comes next. “The truth is, we’re not discussing it,” Laurence admits. Guillaume adds: “There’s always some apprehension because when you get close to the end, there’s a bit of fear of that emptiness. So there’s a form of procrastination: we try to enjoy the moment without thinking too much about what comes next.”

The reflection will come after the season. “We’re going to finish this season, take some rest, and then we’ll see what we want. It could go either way,” he explains.

In the meantime, spring is already shaping up to be busy, with invitations to galas and choreography projects for Guillaume. Before that, all eyes turn to Prague, with the ambition of closing out this first season together in the best possible way.

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