Stellato-Dudek, Deschamps ‘in the perfect place’ heading into Olympic year

Former world figure skating champions Deanna Stellato-Dudek and Maxime Deschamps are feeling rejuvenated as they gear up for the upcoming Olympic year. The dynamic duo, who captured the gold in 2024, are shedding the weight of expectation and are focused on reclaiming their top spot on the podium.

After a somewhat lackluster season following their historic win, Stellato-Dudek and Deschamps are back in their element and ready to chase their next goal. “We’re in the perfect place,” Stellato-Dudek shared. “Maybe this was the spot that we were meant to be in to give us the fire to push and to get back on top, versus feeling the pressure and the expectation to stay there.”

Deschamps echoed her sentiments, expressing excitement at the prospect of setting their sights on new targets. “It’s fun to look at what is in front and to really chase it,” he said. “When you have the target in front, it’s clear what you have to aim for.”

The pair faced their fair share of challenges in the past season, including illness and injuries that hindered their performance. However, they are now focused on overcoming these obstacles and pushing themselves to new heights. With a renewed sense of determination, Stellato-Dudek and Deschamps are ready to tackle the upcoming season head-on.

Their rigorous off-season training regimen has set the stage for their comeback, with Stellato-Dudek utilizing unique recovery techniques to stay in top form. Their meticulous approach to improvement has not gone unnoticed, with Skate Canada’s high-performance director praising their progress and commitment to their craft.

One exciting development for the duo is Stellato-Dudek’s recent acquisition of Canadian citizenship, making them eligible to compete in the 2026 Winter Games. This long-term goal is now within reach, and they are focused on taking each step towards it with precision and dedication.

Stellato-Dudek and Deschamps are set to debut new programs choreographed by Lori Nichol at the John Nicks Pairs Challenge, where they promise a surprise for the audience and judges. With innovative elements and a focus on storytelling, their performances are sure to captivate and inspire.

As they gear up for the upcoming Grand Prix events and the Canadian figure skating championships, Stellato-Dudek and Deschamps are determined to put their best skate forward. With their eyes set on the Olympic Games in February, the dynamic duo is ready to make their mark on the ice once again.