Dressed in a red dress and in front of her mother’s red eyes, figure skater Deanna Stellato-Dudek obtained her Canadian citizenship Wednesday in Montreal, which will allow her to represent the country at the Olympic Games.
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“It’s so much stress that comes after so much effort. I feel that Maxime [Deschamps, son partenaire] and I are now free to realize our Olympic dream,” said Stellato-Dudek, relieved, in the offices of Me Patrice Brunet, conductor of this accelerated process started in 2021.
The world pairs champion, the oldest in history at 40 years old – she is now 41 – was able to become Canadian so quickly because of the excellent results of the duo. A petition of 10,000 names certainly didn’t hurt.
“It’s a liberation,” added Deschamps, standing at his side throughout the ceremony which took place online, before giving him a warm hug.
“All that’s left to do is skate and focus on training moving forward to prepare for [se qualifier] in the Olympics,” he added.
Maxime Deschamps offered a warm hug to Deanna Stellato-Dudek.
Photo BEN PELOSSE
From Chicago to Montreal
Born in the Chicago area, Stellato-Dudek moved to Quebec in 2019 when she began her collaboration with Deschamps, originally from Vaudreuil-Dorion. Training with Josée Picard and Julie Marcotte in Sainte-Julie, the pair wanted to represent the country that believed in them.
Leaving everything behind, Stellato-Dudek showed great perseverance.
“She changed her life for sport, without knowing where it would lead her. It’s more than being 100% dedicated,” pointed out Deschamps, still impressed.
But this exceptional immigration request has often proven to be a stone in Stellato-Dudek’s skate. It was running through his head.
“Even if I wasn’t doing well at the Canadian Championships, I had to perform because I needed that to become a citizen. I had to prove that I was an asset to Canada,” said the woman who raised her arms in victory when she signed the official federal government documents.
Deanna Stellato-Dudek and Maxime Deschamps during the 2024 World Championships in Montreal last March.
Photo AFP
An emotional mother
At the back in the small room was Ann Stellato, an emotional mom with a tissue already in hand before the swearing-in began.
“This is a dream come true for her and for me,” she expressed, holding Deanna’s dog Goldy.
By a happy coincidence, Ann Stellato was passing through Montreal when she learned that her daughter was going to become a Canadian citizen during her stay.
“It means a lot to me that my mother is here. She has always been by my side, since I was 5 years old. She is my number one fan. She believed in it as much as I did,” said the athlete.
Ann Stellato shed tears of relief as her daughter Deanna Stellato-Dudek became a Canadian citizen.
Photo BEN PELOSSE
A 16-year break
The latter ended her solo career at the age of 17 due to a chronic hip injury. Sixteen years later, believing she still had a chance of going to the Olympics, Stellato-Dudek returned to competition, this time as a couple.
“When she told me about her return, I told her she was crazy! But I know my daughter, she is mentally strong and when she wants something, it comes true. We saw it today,” noted Ann Stellato with pride.
“Now she has a new goal [aller aux Jeux de Milan-Cortina en 2026]and she will achieve it, believe me! She is very determined,” she assured.
While Deanna Stellato-Dudek signed the official Government of Canada documents, Maxime Deschamps held her dog, Goldy, who follows her every day in training.
Photo BEN PELOSSE
An inspiration
Besides, the 32-year-old Quebecer doesn’t have to look too far to find a source of inspiration. Coming back to competition at 33 and still being at the top in your 40s is impressive.
“It’s difficult and it requires a lot more work than when I was 17, especially when it comes to recovery,” admitted Stellato-Dudek, who hopes to influence people, regardless of field, to change their career path. field of study or career if necessary.
“Even if it’s risky, even if it’s a roll of the dice, it’s worth it,” she said.
“I’m a lot younger and I feel it in my body that I’m getting older. It’s exceptional to see what she can do. I’ll say it straight away: at his age, I no longer compete!” promised the world champion.
