This film unveils the hidden dark side of the glamorous world of figure skating through the courageous story of Sarah Abitbol. Ten-time French champion and world medalist, Sarah breaks 30 years of silence about the sexual abuse she endured as a teenager. Her powerful testimony sparked a groundbreaking movement in French sports, inspiring many victims to come forward. A story of resilience, courage, and the fight to shatter the silence.

Like many little girls her age, Sarah Abitbol had only one dream: to become a figure skater. From the age of five, she trained intensely at the Nantes ice rink before being spotted by Gilles Beyer, coach and director of France’s largest skating center. He was certain: she had all the qualities to become a great skater and taste glory. Moving to Paris meant upheaval for her family — but that was the price to pay to become a champion.

And champion she became, in pairs skating. Ten-time French champion, European silver medalist, and bronze medalist at the World Championships. In the late 1990s, figure skating was one of the most popular sports in France and around the world. Competitions were broadcast in prime time on major national channels, and skating stars became household names: Katarina Witt, Philippe Candeloro, Surya Bonaly, the pairs Peyzerat/Anissina, Abitbol/Bernadis... The ice and glitter made the whole of France dream.

But behind this world of ice and glamour lurked a dark reality: pervasive sexual harassment and violent abuse of minors. Despite rumors circulating, victims’ voices were silenced, gagged by a system intent on protecting itself. It was the reign of silence.

Sarah’s voice — violated between the ages of 15 and 17 — was silenced for 30 years. Until one day in 2018, after watching the film La Consolation, adapted from Flavie Flament’s book of the same name, Sarah found deep within herself the courage to break the ice.

With the support of journalist Emmanuelle Anizon, she broke her silence in 2020 with the book Un si long silence (“A Silence Too Long”).

The book’s release triggered an unprecedented upheaval within the skating world and the French sports community at large. Other victims soon came forward. Sarah Abitbol had opened the door to breaking the silence.