Deanna Stellato-Dudek, a former world champion figure skater, has decided to return to representing the United States after seven years competing for Canada. She will now partner with Danil Siianytsia in the pairs category. Stellato-Dudek, originally from Chicago and now 43 years old, previously skated for the U.S. in women’s singles over 25 years ago before switching to Canada in 2019 to join forces with Maxime Deschamps.
Deschamps, Stellato-Dudek’s former partner, retired from competitive figure skating in July, prompting her return to the U.S. Stellato-Dudek made history at 40 by becoming the oldest woman to win a world figure skating title in 2024 alongside Deschamps. Their achievements also include winning the 2024 Four Continents title and three Canadian championships. Following these successes, she acquired Canadian citizenship to qualify for representing Canada at the Olympics.
Expressing her enthusiasm for the new partnership with Siianytsia, Stellato-Dudek stated, “I’m incredibly excited to begin this new chapter with Danil, and I’m so grateful for all the fans who continue to support me through every chapter of my journey. I’ll give everything I have to make you proud and represent the USA with everything I have.” She acknowledged her roots in the U.S., emphasizing her gratitude for the experiences gained throughout her career and the potential for growth in her collaboration with Siianytsia.
Stellato-Dudek and Deschamps concluded their performance at the Milan Cortina 2026 Olympics in 11th place after facing challenges leading up to the event. An injury during training less than three weeks before the competition jeopardized her Olympic debut, but she obtained medical clearance in time to compete. Unfortunately, a fall in the short program dashed their medal hopes.
On the other hand, Siianytsia, a 25-year-old skater from Dnipro, Ukraine, has been representing the United States in pairs competitions since 2017, previously skating with Anastasiia Smirnova. Stellato-Dudek and Siianytsia will undergo training in Colorado Springs under the guidance of Olympic coach Drew Meekins as they prepare for the upcoming qualifying season leading to the 2027 U.S. Figure Skating Championships.