Olympic champions Papadakis, Hubbell to perform as same-sex ice dancers in gala

Olympic ice dancing champions Gabriella Papadakis and Madison Hubbell announced Saturday they will team up as a same-sex couple at a figure skating gala early next year.

Frenchwoman Papadakis and American Hubbell will perform together at the 'Art on Ice Gala' which takes place in several cities in Switzerland in February.

Papadakis, 29, said this "world first" aimed to "show that our sport can be more inclusive, more modern and more courageous".

"We also want to break with certain stereotypes around expectations towards women in sport: to always be feminine, frail, even fragile."

Hubbell, 33, added: "With this project, we dream of a future where everyone can find their place on the ice, regardless of their vision or identity."

The show will focus on "the inner journey of every human being", explained producer Oliver Honer, adding he hopes it will trigger "a small revolution in the world of figure skating".

Papadakis and ice dancing partner Guillaume Cizeron announced their retirement earlier this month after a trophy-laden career. They won five world titles and Olympic gold in Beijing 2022, having taken silver at the Pyongyang Games four years earlier.

Hubbell and partner Zachary Donohue won Olympic team gold with the United States and ice dancing bronze together in Beijing, and are three-time world silver medallists.