World champion figure skater Deanna Stellato-Dudek has made a significant move by transitioning back to the United States after seven years representing Canada. She has teamed up with Danil Siianytsia to form a new pairs partnership.
A Chicago native, Stellato-Dudek 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. Following Deschamps’ retirement from competitive figure skating in July, Stellato-Dudek decided to return to her roots.
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. They also claimed the 2024 Four Continents title and secured three Canadian championships. Subsequently, she acquired Canadian citizenship to be eligible for Olympic representation.
Expressing her enthusiasm for the new partnership, Stellato-Dudek stated, “I’m incredibly excited to embark on this new journey with Danil and appreciate the unwavering support from my fans. I am committed to giving my all to make you proud and represent the USA with utmost dedication.”
Reflecting on her career, she added, “My figure skating journey has taken me on unexpected paths, but the United States holds a special place in my heart as where it all began. I am thankful for the experiences I’ve had and optimistic about the future with Danil by my side.”
Stellato-Dudek and Deschamps participated in the Milan Cortina 2026 Olympics, finishing 11th after facing challenges leading up to the event. Despite a setback from hitting her head during training just before the pairs competition, she received clearance to compete, although a fall during the short program dashed their medal hopes.
Siianytsia, a 25-year-old from Dnipro, Ukraine, has represented the United States in pairs competitions since 2017, previously skating with Anastasiia Smirnova. The new partnership will see Stellato-Dudek and Siianytsia training in Colorado Springs under the guidance of Olympic coach Drew Meekins as they prepare for the 2027 U.S. Figure Skating Championships qualifying season.