The Canadian figure skating team’s chances at the Olympics have taken a hit due to a recent withdrawal. Deanna Stellato-Dudek and her partner Maxime Deschamps are out of the team event following an injury sustained by Stellato-Dudek during training. The Canadian Olympic Committee (COC) confirmed this change on Monday.
Substitutes and Timelines
Stepping in for Stellato-Dudek and Deschamps will be Lia Pereira and Trennt Michaud. This duo previously topped Stellato-Dudek and Deschamps for the national title in January.
The status of Stellato-Dudek for the upcoming pairs event remains uncertain and will be monitored daily by the team officials. The pairs portion of the team event is scheduled for Friday and Sunday, with the individual pairs competition set for February 15-16.
Background on the Skaters
- Deanna Stellato-Dudek, age 42, was born in Chicago.
- Maxime Deschamps, age 34, was preparing for his Olympic debut.
- Stellato-Dudek gained Canadian citizenship in December 2024 to compete for Canada.
- The duo secured a gold medal at the 2024 world championships.
Other Withdrawals
In addition to the figure skating changes, Tess Critchlow has also withdrawn from her event due to injury. The 30-year-old snowboard cross athlete from Big White, British Columbia secured sixth place at the 2022 Beijing Games.
These developments highlight the unpredictable nature of sports, particularly during the Olympics. As the events draw closer, the focus will be on how the teams adapt and perform amidst these changes.
