Winter Olympics 2026: Lia Pereira/Trennt Michaud ready to do “even more” in team event to cheer up injured Deanna Stellato-Dudek
It’s been an exhilarating few weeks for Canada’s Lia Pereira and Trennt Michaud. These talented pairs skaters recently clinched their maiden national title and were named to their first Olympic team. Now, they are gearing up to increase their competitive footprint at the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026.
With the recent news that 2024 world champion Deanna Stellato-Dudek is injured and won’t be able to compete in the team event alongside pairs partner Maxime Deschamps, the spotlight is now on Pereira and Michaud. Oftentimes overshadowed, they now carry Team Canada’s hopes into the first figure skating competition of the prestigious event.
The duo initially anticipated participating only in the free skate segment; however, with the shift in team dynamics, they are now quickly preparing for the short program, rushing to finalize their performance just nine days before the event.
While practicing the short program at Milano Ice Skating Arena on February 4, both skaters emphasized their commitment to giving their all—not just for themselves, but for their injured teammate. “We’re not just skating for ourselves. We’re skating for our friends too,” Michaud expressed excitedly. They are determined to channel their energy into a performance that honors Stellato-Dudek and Deschamps.
Pereira added, “Our heart goes out to them. It feels strange competing without them.” The skaters hope for a swift recovery for Stellato-Dudek ahead of the pairs competition starting on February 15.
The unique backstory of Stellato-Dudek complements the challenges. The 42-year-old is aiming to make her Olympic debut after a 16-year hiatus, re-entering the skating world at 33. Her inspiring journey has been captured in an Olympic Channel documentary titled Deanna’s Dream.
Lia and Trennt are returning to the rink with a fresh take, having switched back to their beloved Gladiator program. “It just brought us a little bit more inspiration,” Pereira said, fostering a renewed sense of determination. With the 2026 Winter Olympics on the horizon, the pair is primed to combine artistic passion and competitor’s spirit in what promises to be a competition filled with grit and camaraderie.
