Stellato-Dudek and Deschamps Return to Olympic Ice After Injury Setback

Deanna Stellato-Dudek and Maxime Deschamps have made their Olympic skating debut at Milano Cortina 2026 after overcoming significant challenges. The duo, crowned World Champions in 2024, returned to the ice for their first training session following a delayed arrival due to Stellato-Dudek’s injury during practice in Montreal.

Overcoming Injury Setbacks

Stellato-Dudek, who is 42 years old, has made history by becoming the oldest female figure skater to compete in the Olympics in nearly a century. She expressed her gratitude for the support she received during her recovery, noting, “I am extremely thankful to Skate Canada, the Canadian Olympic Committee, and the entire medical team that assisted me.”

In the days leading up to the competition, Stellato-Dudek faced a difficult situation, describing it as “a nightmare.” She received numerous messages of support from fans worldwide, which she believes contributed to her recovery.

From Dreams to Reality

• Stellato-Dudek began competing in pairs skating in her thirties.
• She teamed up with Deschamps in 2019, after a long absence from the sport.
• Previously, she had success as a single skater, achieving podium finishes at the ISU Junior World Championships in 2000.

Deschamps also shared his experience during this challenging week, stating, “It was hard to see our dream slip away, but I believed in Deanna and trained hard.” Both athletes have chosen to focus on their performance rather than discussing the specifics of the injury.

Olympic Experience

The atmosphere in Milan has been overwhelming for the skaters. Stellato-Dudek described her emotional reaction upon seeing the Olympic rings for the first time, stating, “It’s very emotional to be here. When I started this journey in 2016, no one told me I would make it to the Olympics.”

Upcoming Competitions

Stellato-Dudek and Deschamps are scheduled to compete in the pairs short program this Sunday, alongside fellow Canadian skaters Lia Pereira and Trennt Michaud. The free program will take place on Monday.

The duo’s journey reflects the resilience and determination needed to excel in figure skating, especially after overcoming injuries and setbacks. As they step onto the Olympic stage, both skaters aim to leave a lasting legacy in the sport.