Benoit Richaud: The Viral Coach Inspiring Olympic Skaters
The Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics have a new star, and it’s not necessarily on the ice. Benoit Richaud, a French coach and choreographer, is quickly becoming the most talked-about figure at the games, not just for his artistic contributions, but for his vibrant and quick changes of national team jackets as he supports his diverse roster of skaters.
Richaud’s sideline presence has become a captivating spectacle. During the men’s free skate on February 13th, 2026, he was spotted seamlessly transitioning between Georgia’s white and red trimmed jacket while cheering on Nika Egadze, to a USA blue puffer as Maxim Naumov prepared to compete. The jacket parade continued with Canada’s burgundy lululemon and France’s winter white, showcasing his commitment to 16 skaters from 13 different countries.
More Than Just Choreography: A Motivational Force
While widely recognized as a talented choreographer, skaters consistently emphasize Richaud’s profound impact as a motivational expert. Maxim Naumov, making his Olympic debut after a deeply personal tragedy – the loss of his parents in a plane crash in January 2025 – credits Richaud with playing a pivotal role in his journey.
“He was a big part of the journey this year,” Naumov shared. “His training camp really just changed my perspective on skating in general. Yes, he does choreography, and everybody knows that, but the insight he offers each of his students… He motivates me a lot to just be the best that I could be.”
A Fresh Outlook and Belief in Self
Nika Egadze echoed this sentiment, stating that working with Richaud has provided him with a renewed perspective. “He tells me that I need to believe in myself, I need to show passion on the ice, and push it to the end,” Egadze explained. This focus on self-belief and emotional expression is a hallmark of Richaud’s coaching style.
Even skaters with established styles appreciate Richaud’s approach. Donovan Carrillo, the Mexican skater, highlighted Richaud’s ability to foster individuality. “I feel like he lets everyone shine in their own way, which is pretty nice, because I also feel like he respects my style and he works around my style and he doesn’t try to like, change my personality,” Carrillo said.
The Richaud Effect
Benoit Richaud’s influence extends beyond technical skill and choreography. He’s fostering a positive and empowering environment for his skaters, allowing them to thrive both on and off the ice. His colourful sideline presence and dedication to his athletes have made him a fan favourite and a symbol of the spirit of the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics.
Learn more about the 2026 Winter Olympics: AP News
