MILAN — Deanna Stellato-Dudek, a U.S.-born skater, and her Canadian pairs partner, Maxime Deschamps, are set to compete in their first Olympic event this weekend after overcoming a head injury that had put their participation in jeopardy.
The duo, former world champions, withdrew from last weekend’s figure skating team event when Stellato-Dudek suffered a head injury during practice on January 30 in Quebec. Though she has not provided specific details about the injury, she reassured everyone that it was not a concussion and expressed her readiness to debut at the Winter Games. At 42, Stellato-Dudek described the past week as a “living nightmare” but noted that medical professionals have commended her remarkable recovery.
Throughout her recovery, Skate Canada has closely monitored her condition, and Stellato-Dudek has successfully passed all medical evaluations. Partner Deschamps reflected on the rollercoaster of emotions during this time, admitting it was challenging for both of them as the pair’s Olympic dream hung in the balance. However, he remained hopeful, stating, “I still believed in Deanna the whole time, and I’ve been training super hard during that time.”
With the short program commencing Sunday night, Stellato-Dudek and Deschamps are seen as strong contenders in a competitive Olympic field. Their impressive track record includes winning the world title just two years ago and taking first place at Skate Canada last fall.
Stellato-Dudek’s journey to the Olympics has been both unique and long. After establishing herself as a successful singles skater in the U.S. before retiring in 2001, she made a remarkable comeback after 16 years by transitioning to pairs skating. Following a partnership with Nathan Bartholomay, she teamed up with Deschamps, with whom she eventually achieved Canadian citizenship in December 2024, allowing them to aim for Olympic participation.
Her emotions have been high as they prepare for the Games. “Since we arrived here and we saw the Olympic rings, we’ve taken a bunch of photographs, and I’ve cried before every one,” Stellato-Dudek shared. Reflecting on her journey, she noted, “Not one person told me I would make it to the Olympics, and I thought I would be there at — god, 34, and I’m 42.”
Acknowledging the fear that came with returning to the ice so soon after her injury, Stellato-Dudek quoted Eleanor Roosevelt: “Do one thing every day that scares you,” stating she’s embraced the challenge. In response to safety concerns stemming from her injury, the pair has made a minor adjustment to their performance by removing a planned backflip, a signature but non-scored element that delights fans.
Stellato-Dudek’s determination and spirit highlight the resilience athletes embody as they navigate challenges, both on and off the ice. With their hard work and dedication, she and Deschamps are ready to make their mark at the Olympics. Their story inspires hope and serves as a reminder that dreams, regardless of age or circumstance, can still be pursued with passion and grit.