MILAN (AP) — Former world pairs skating champion Deanna Stratto-Dudek and Canada’s Maxime Deschamps have withdrawn from the Olympic team figure skating event in Cortina, Milan, after injuries sustained during training before leaving Quebec.
Skate Canada announced Strato-Dudek’s injury on Monday, just days before the pairs short program kicks off three days of team competition on Friday. Canada finished fourth at the 2022 Beijing Olympics and is a strong contender for the podium in Milan.
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Skate Canada did not disclose the nature or severity of Strato-Dudek’s injury, saying only that it is “evaluating her condition and readiness for her individual pairs event on a daily basis.” Individual doubles competition will begin on February 15th.
Trennt Michaud and Lia Pereira are another Canadian duo. They had to deal with two pairs events in the team competition.
Strato-Dudek, 42, was born in the suburbs of Chicago and has represented Canada since joining forces with Deschamps before the 2019 season. The three-time Canadian champion won the world title in 2024 and finished fifth in Boston last year.
Team USA is the reigning gold medalist in the team event and has a strong chance to defend its title. The rhythm dance and women’s short program also take place on Friday at the Milan Skating Rink, while the men’s short program and free dance take place on Saturday. The competition concludes on Sunday with the pairs, women’s and men’s free skates.
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AP Olympics: https://apnews.com/hub/milan-cortina-2026-winter-olympics
