Canadian Duo Makes History with Gold at World Figure Skating Championships in Montreal

Canada’s Deanna Stellato-Dudek and Maxime Deschamps have etched their names in figure skating history by clinching gold at the World Figure Skating Championships held in Montreal. The dynamic pair secured the top spot with an impressive performance, earning a personal best total score of 221.56. Skating to ‘Interview With a Vampire,’ Stellato-Dudek and Deschamps captivated the audience at the Bell Centre with their flawless routines.

The triumph marks a significant achievement for Stellato-Dudek, who at 40, becomes the oldest female figure skater to claim a world title. Their victory also ends a drought for Canadian pairs, the last gold being won by Meagan Duhamel and Eric Radford in 2016.

Stellato-Dudek’s journey to this milestone moment has been nothing short of remarkable. A former singles silver medallist at the 2000 world junior championship, she had to retire at a young age due to a hip injury. However, she made a remarkable comeback 16 years later in the pairs category, teaming up with Deschamps in 2019.

The duo’s gold-medal performance was met with resounding applause from the crowd, with fans waving Canadian flags and banners in support of their homegrown talent. This victory not only cements their status as world champions but also paves the way for Stellato-Dudek to potentially represent Canada at the 2026 Olympics.

Among other notable Canadian performances at the championships, Lia Pereira and Trennt Michaud claimed the eighth spot, while Kelly Ann Laurin and Loucas Ethier made their world championship debut finishing at 15th place.

The competition saw fierce rivalry in other categories as well, with skaters like Kaori Sakamoto, Shoma Uno, and Yuma Kagiyama showcasing their skills in the men’s segment. Uno’s stellar performance positioned him as a strong contender for a three-peat title.

With Montreal hosting the event for the first time in decades, the championships have been a testament to the resilience and talent of athletes from around the world. As the competition unfolds, fans eagerly await the thrilling conclusion of this premier figure skating event.