Spotlight on Canadian Pair Stellato-Dudek and Deschamps in Short Program Showdown
Deanna Stellato-Dudek and Maxime Deschamps are set to captivate audiences during the pairs short program at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan. Recently, they arrived in Milan after Stellato-Dudek faced a serious injury during a practice session in Quebec, forcing the duo to withdraw from the team event.
Injury Challenges and Comeback
Stellato-Dudek, who is now 42, has made a remarkable comeback to figure skating. Previously a singles skater in the United States, she retired due to injury at the age of 17. After a 16-year break, she switched to pairs skating and earned her Canadian citizenship.
The injury incident occurred just prior to the Games, leaving Stellato-Dudek still processing the events. She has expressed that the past week and a half felt like a “living nightmare.” However, she has received medical clearance to compete again.
Record-Breaking Competition
With her participation, Stellato-Dudek will make history as the oldest woman to compete in Olympic figure skating since 1928. Despite recent struggles with consistency, Stellato-Dudek and Deschamps have demonstrated their potential as medal contenders.
Achievements and Recent Performances
- 2024 World Champions in pairs figure skating
- Three-time national champions
- Silver medalists at the latest Canadian Nationals behind Lia Pereira and Trennt Michaud
The pairs event is set to commence at 1:45 PM EST. Stellato-Dudek and Deschamps are expected to perform about an hour after Pereira and Michaud, who skate in the third group around 3 PM EST.
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