World champion figure skater Deanna Stellato-Dudek has made a significant decision to return to the United States after a seven-year tenure with Canada. She is now embarking on a fresh pairs partnership with Danil Siianytsia.
A native of Chicago, Stellato-Dudek had previously represented the United States in women’s singles over 25 years ago before transitioning to Canada’s program in 2019 to skate alongside Maxime Deschamps. Deschamps recently announced his retirement from competitive figure skating in July.
In a remarkable feat, at the age of 40, Stellato-Dudek became the oldest woman to clinch a world figure skating title when she and Deschamps secured gold for Canada in 2024. The pair also claimed the 2024 Four Continents title and three Canadian championships. Subsequently, she obtained Canadian citizenship, enabling her to compete for Canada at the Olympics.
Expressing her enthusiasm for the new partnership, Stellato-Dudek stated, “I’m incredibly excited to start this new chapter with Danil, and I’m deeply appreciative of all the fans who have supported me throughout my journey. I am fully committed to making you proud and representing the USA to the best of my abilities.”
Reflecting on her skating journey, Stellato-Dudek added, “My experiences in this sport have taken me to unexpected places, but it all began for me in the United States. I am thankful for the diverse experiences in my career and look forward to the partnership with Danil.”
Stellato-Dudek and Deschamps participated in the Milan Cortina 2026 Olympics, finishing 11th after facing challenges leading up to her long-awaited Olympic debut. A training mishap that resulted in a head injury less than three weeks before the pairs event added to the adversity. Despite receiving medical clearance just days before competing, a fall during the short program dashed their medal hopes.
Danil Siianytsia, aged 25 and originally 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 train under Olympic coach Drew Meekins in Colorado Springs as they prepare for the qualifying season leading up to the 2027 U.S. Figure Skating Championships.