World Champion Figure Skater Deanna Stellato-Dudek Becomes a Canadian Citizen

Canadian citizenship was granted to world champion figure skater Deanna Stellato-Dudek as she took the oath of citizenship in Montreal on Wednesday. This new status now makes her eligible to represent Canada at the Olympic Games.

Stellato-Dudek, a 41-year-old pairs skater, made history by winning gold alongside partner Maxime Deschamps at the world championships in March. She became the oldest woman to ever win a world figure skating title.

Originally from the United States, Stellato-Dudek has been living in Canada and competing internationally for the country since teaming up with Deschamps in 2019. Deschamps, a 32-year-old from Vaudreuil-Dorion, Que, has been her dedicated partner on the ice.

After retiring at the age of 17 due to a hip injury, Stellato-Dudek made a triumphant return to skating 16 years later with the goal of winning an Olympic medal. She first skated with American Nathan Bartholomay for three years before deciding to partner with Deschamps in Canada.

Earlier this year, Stellato-Dudek revealed that she had initiated the process of obtaining Canadian citizenship. She even launched an online petition that garnered nearly 10,000 signatures in support of her citizenship application.

Deanna Stellato-Dudek and Maxime Deschamps of Canada celebrate their gold medal in pairs at the Skate Canada International figure skating competition in Halifax on Saturday, October 26, 2024. (Darren Calabrese / The Canadian Press)

With their recent successes, Stellato-Dudek and Deschamps are considered strong contenders for the podium at the 2026 Olympics in Milan-Cortina, Italy. Following their world title, the pair secured gold medals at Skate Canada International and the Finlandia Trophy this fall on the prestigious Grand Prix circuit.

Unfortunately, the duo had to withdraw from the Grand Prix final last weekend as Deschamps was recovering from an illness. Despite this setback, their determination and talent continue to shine through in their performances.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published on December 11, 2024.