World champion figure skater Deanna Stellato-Dudek has made the decision to return to the United States after representing Canada for seven seasons. She will now be forming a new pairs partnership with Danil Siianytsia.
Stellato-Dudek, a 43-year-old from Chicago, previously competed for the United States in women’s singles over 25 years ago before joining Canada’s program in 2019 to skate alongside Maxime Deschamps. Deschamps recently announced his retirement from competitive figure skating in July.
In 2024, at the age of 40, Stellato-Dudek made history by becoming the oldest woman to win a world figure skating title with Deschamps for Canada. The duo also secured the 2024 Four Continents title and three Canadian championships. After gaining Canadian citizenship, she was able to represent Canada at the Olympics.
Expressing her excitement for the new partnership, Stellato-Dudek stated, “I’m incredibly thrilled to embark on this new journey with Danil and deeply appreciate the continued support from my fans. I am fully dedicated to making you proud and representing the USA with all my heart.”
Looking back on her career, Stellato-Dudek reflected on her beginnings in the United States, saying, “My skating journey has taken me to unexpected places, but it all started for me in the United States. I am grateful for the experiences throughout my career and optimistic about the future with Danil by my side.”
Stellato-Dudek and Deschamps concluded their performance at the Milan Cortina 2026 Olympics in 11th place after facing challenges leading up to her anticipated Olympic debut. A head injury during a training session just weeks before the event, followed by a fall in the short program, dashed their hopes of contending for a medal.
Danil Siianytsia, a 25-year-old from Dnipro, Ukraine, has been competing for the United States in pairs since 2017, most recently partnering with Anastasiia Smirnova. Stellato-Dudek and Siianytsia will be training in Colorado Springs under the guidance of Olympic coach Drew Meekins as they prepare for the upcoming qualifying season for the 2027 U.S. Figure Skating Championships.