Canada’s Stellato-Dudek Injured, Withdraws With Partner Deschamps From Olympic Figure Skating

Canadian figure skaters Deanna Stellato-Dudek and Maxime Deschamps have withdrawn from the Olympic team event due to an injury affecting Stellato-Dudek. This decision was confirmed by the Canadian Olympic Committee (COC) on Monday. The injury occurred during training in Quebec.

While the duo has opted out of the team event, they have not completely withdrawn from the individual pairs event. The COC stated that Stellato-Dudek’s condition will be monitored closely to determine her ability to compete in the upcoming events.

Focus on Athlete Health

The COC emphasizes that the health and safety of athletes is their top priority. Further updates regarding Stellato-Dudek’s status will be provided as additional information becomes available.

In the wake of this news, fellow Canadian figure skater Madeline Schizas expressed her support for Stellato-Dudek and Deschamps in an interview. Schizas noted, “We’re all just thinking of her and Max right now.” Other members of the Canadian team are also rallying around Stellato-Dudek during this challenging time.

Team Event Changes

Canadian champions Lia Pereira and Trennt Michaud will step in to represent Canada in the pairs portion of the team event, which begins this Friday. The individual pairs short program is scheduled for February 14.

In addition, Canadian snowboard cross athlete Tess Critchlow, who previously competed at the 2022 Beijing Olympics, has also withdrawn from her event due to injury.

Stellato-Dudek and Deschamps’ Recent Performances

Last summer, Stellato-Dudek and Deschamps were optimistic as they prepared for the Olympic year. They had a successful run as the 2024 world champions but faced challenges in the following season. At the 2025 World Championships held in Boston, they finished fifth due in part to a lower-than-expected score in their short program.

Throughout the season, both skaters dealt with various obstacles. Deschamps battled a severe illness in November, while Stellato-Dudek managed multiple injuries, including issues with her shoulder, ankle, and wrist.

• Stellato-Dudek and Deschamps finished second at the Canadian Figure Skating Championships in Gatineau, Quebec, last month.
• The pair secured a silver medal despite Stellato-Dudek suffering from a stomach bug at the time.
• They achieved a sixth-place finish at the Grand Prix Final in early December, following a difficult free skate in Nagoya, Japan.
• Stellato-Dudek and Deschamps won their third consecutive Skate Canada International title on November 1 in Saskatoon.

If Stellato-Dudek competes, she would make history as the oldest woman to participate in Olympic figure skating, at the age of 42, since Ethel Muckelt in 1928.

The figure skating community continues to rally around Stellato-Dudek and Deschamps as they navigate this setback ahead of the competition. Updates on their status will be eagerly awaited as the Olympics approach.