Stellato-Dudek, Deschamps ‘in the perfect place’ heading into Olympic year
Former world figure skating champions Deanna Stellato-Dudek and Maxime Deschamps are feeling lighter heading into the Olympic year. The 2024 gold-medal pair carried the heavy burden of defending their world title through an underwhelming follow-up season. Now they’re back where they’re most comfortable: on the hunt.
“We’re in the perfect place,” Stellato-Dudek said. “Maybe this was the spot that we were meant to be in to give us the fire to push and get back on top, versus feeling the pressure and the expectation to stay there.” Her partner seconds that sentiment. “It’s fun to look at what is in front and to really chase it,” Deschamps added. “When you have the target in front, it’s clear what you have to aim for.”
After their historic win on home soil in Montreal, where Stellato-Dudek — at 40 — became the oldest woman to win a world title, they struggled to maintain that level of success. Despite winning two gold medals on the Grand Prix circuit and another national title, their satisfaction remained elusive. A pivotal setback at the Boston world championships saw them finishing fifth with a season-low score in the short program.
The couple faced numerous challenges, including severe illness and injuries. “Treacherous obstacles” plagued them, according to Stellato-Dudek. Deschamps battled a significant fever last November, which sidelined them from the Grand Prix Final. Stellato-Dudek also endured painful shoulder, ankle, and wrist injuries. They describe last season as having “no off-season at all,” jumping straight into touring post-Montreal.
This year, Stellato-Dudek crafted a detailed spreadsheet to improve their routines. Her recovery involves intense off-ice training, which she believes sets her apart. “Nobody does the kind of work that I do off the ice,” she stated confidently.
Excitingly, Canada’s top pair officially earned their eligibility for the 2026 Winter Games when Stellato-Dudek obtained Canadian citizenship last December. Deschamps emphasized their focus remains on daily improvements rather than the Olympic pressure. “It’s more about the day-to-day,” he said.
They will debut two new programs at the John Nicks Pairs Challenge, showcasing an unprecedented element never before seen in competition while skating to “Carmina Burana.” Their free program will draw from the passionate melodies of Vicente Amigo. Stellato-Dudek expressed, “Both of these programs are magical masterpieces.”
As they prepare for the Grand Prix events, Stellato-Dudek and Deschamps look ahead to the Canadian figure skating championships (*Gatineau, Jan. 5-11*) before the Olympic Games in February, ready to reclaim their place at the pinnacle of the sport.
