Winter Olympics 2026: After injury scare, Deanna Stellato-Dudek set to compete in pairs figure skating event

Deanna Stellato-Dudek is headed to the Winter Olympics, after all.

The Canadian pairs figure skater, the 2024 world champion alongside partner Maxime Deschamps, has been cleared to compete by Team Canada after she “hit her head” in a 30 January practice, the team said on Tuesday (10 February).

The incident caused Stellato, 42, to miss the figure skating team event, where Canada finished in fifth place. She had remained home in Montreal as she was evaluated.

“[Deanna] has been closely monitored by the medical teams of both Skate Canada and Team Canada and has completed the required medical evaluations,” Team Canada said in a statement.

“I want to thank everyone for their concern and support,” Stellato said.

“I’ve been working closely with the medical team, and feel ready and excited to compete. My priority right now is skating my best. Maxime and I respectfully ask the media to allow us space to focus on the competition.”

The statement said Stellato will address reporters after practice on Friday (13 February).

At 42 years old, Stellato has one of the most inspiring stories of the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026, having left figure skating for 16 years after a successful junior career only to return at age 33 a decade ago.

Stellato is the central figure in a recent Olympic Channel documentary, Deanna’s Dream.

The pairs event at the Olympics is set for 15 and 16 February.