Pereira and Michaud: Deanna and Max Pushed Us to Improve in Pair Skating

Lia Pereira and Trennt Michaud, a Canadian pair skating duo, attribute their continuous growth in the sport to their commitment and rivalry with teammates Deanna Stellato-Dudek and Maxime Deschamps. They believe that this competitive spirit has pushed them to improve their performance over the years.

Stellato-Dudek’s Historic Olympic Journey

Deanna Stellato-Dudek, at 42, is set to become the oldest female figure skater in Olympic history. She is making her Olympic debut in Milan after gaining Canadian citizenship in December 2024. By competing in these Olympics, she will surpass Brit Ethel Muckelt, who was 42 during the 1928 St. Moritz Games.

Challenges and Determination

Leading up to the Olympics, Stellato-Dudek faced a significant challenge when she fell during practice, raising concerns about her ability to compete. However, Pereira expressed confidence in her resilience, stating, “I knew she would fight to come back.” This determination was evident when Stellato-Dudek and Deschamps arrived in Italy, willing to fulfill their Olympic dream.

Recent Competitive Performance

The pair recently won the 2024 World Championships held in Montreal and are entering the Olympics ranked fifth by the International Skating Union (ISU). They made a strategic decision to remove a complicated jump from their short program due to safety concerns following Stellato-Dudek’s accident. She clarified that, while she experienced a head injury, she did not suffer a concussion.

Support and Mutual Growth

During the short program on Sunday evening, Pereira and Michaud will watch closely as Stellato-Dudek and Deschamps perform. The duo acknowledged the role of strong competition in their development, stating, “We push each other to be better. It’s a testament to our dedication and hard work.” The final outcome of the Olympic event is set to be determined after the free skate on Monday night.

• Key Facts:
• Deanna Stellato-Dudek will be the oldest female skater at the Olympics at age 42.
• She gained Canadian citizenship in December 2024.
• Stellato-Dudek and Deschamps won the 2024 World Championships.
• They currently rank fifth in the ISU standings.
• Pereira and Michaud have trained with Stellato-Dudek and Deschamps for four years.

The commitment and challenges faced by these skaters illustrate the dedication required to compete at the highest levels. As they pursue their Olympic aspirations, their stories resonate with the spirit of perseverance and mutual support that defines the world of figure skating.