Deanna Stellato-Dudek / Maxime Deschamps – 2024 World Figure Skating Pairs SP (CBC)

Well, here is Diana Stiletto Dudak, Maxime Deschamps started the season off with a bang, winning Skate Canada International. That was followed by a win at the Cup of China, then in the New Year, they went on to take nationals in Four Continents, but their scores have not been as high as they were to start the season. Challenges with their short program is one reason for that, and a strong short program now is essential if they want to make it into the final flight and be in the mix for that world title. Like so many others with a beautifully controlled triple twist, they say this short program is a dedication to Montreal, Diana's second home and Max's hometown. In a short program, you can lose it. Diana and Max need this throw triple loop if they want to stay in the game for a world title. With all the release moves out of the way, they need to stay focused, stay in the program. Don't get ahead of yourself. But this crowd's making it hard for them. Or maybe they're making it easy. I wonder how she feels about that skate. I think that just says it all. She looks like she's ready to do long right now. She's raring to go. I love that. She's fired up. The best they've skated that program all season long. And wow, when the pressure is the highest, they deliver at home. OK, could Diana and Max have hope for a better skate than that short program we just saw? In a moment like this, on the biggest of all stages. I don't see where it could have been better. But I'm pretty sure Diana will find something that could have been. They have a string of level four elements. They have a gorgeous triple toe. A powerful lift. Max, one of the best lifters in the world. You know, we rev up the Diana story so much, but Max holds his own. He has been around the Canadian pair skating community for so long. His perseverance is not to be forgotten. And really sealing the deal with this throw triple loop. Often one of their trickier elements that we'll see a mistake on. Not today. Diana proving 40 is the new 25. I don't know, my back hurts watching. I don't think I can do it. She's so intense. Who does she remind you of, Kurt? Another pair's female skater? Let's see, her initials are Megan M. She's got that same fire, right? I know, same as Megan. Big scores coming up now. Huge. She's so shy. Four points higher than the reigning world champions from Japan. That's what the audience came to see today. You're right.