A New Woman with a Champion's Heart
Deanna Stellato-Dudek feels like a new woman since becoming a Canadian citizen. The world champion pairs skater, who has lived in the Montreal area since 2019, took the oath of citizenship on December 11th, making her eligible to compete for Canada at the Olympic Games. This newfound identity has ignited a fire within her, fueling her belief that her Olympic dream can become a reality.
Stellato-Dudek and her partner, Maxime Deschamps, are aiming for a third consecutive title at the Canadian figure skating championship, starting with Friday's short program. However, their journey hasn't been without challenges. Deschamps battled a serious illness that kept them off the ice since November 17th. He lost 10 pounds during a four-day fever, forcing them to withdraw from the Grand Prix Final in December.
Despite the setback, Deschamps has recovered and is back in full training. They used the time off to refine their programs, focusing on elements like their choreographic sequence. Stellato-Dudek says their skating has been "amazing" since Deschamps returned to full strength, and they hope their strong practice form will translate to good results in the second half of the season.
The Canadian figure skating championship will be a crucial event for Stellato-Dudek and Deschamps as they aim to represent Canada at the Four Continents championship and the world championship. With a new champion set to be crowned in the men's competition due to injuries, the competition is wide open.
Stellato-Dudek and Deschamps are determined to showcase their talent and prove that they deserve a spot on the world stage. With a champion's heart and a renewed sense of purpose, they are ready to take on the challenge and chase their Olympic dreams.
6 Comments
Rotfront
We wish them the best of luck in the upcoming competitions and hope to see them represent Canada proudly.
Matzomaster
We should celebrate their achievements and support their journey towards the Olympics.
Karamba
Focusing on the men's competition being open seems opportunistic. They should be focused on their own performance.
Eugene Alta
Claiming to be a 'new woman' with a 'champion's heart' feels cheesy and exaggerated.
Rotfront
They should be mindful of their language and avoid statements that could be interpreted as disrespectful to other athletes.
Habibi
Their recent setbacks raise concerns about their ability to handle the pressure of major competitions.