Deanna Stellato-Dudek, a Canadian figure skater, has expressed her distress over an injury sustained just days before the upcoming Milan Cortina Olympic Games, referring to the experience as a 'living nightmare.' The injury, which occurred when she hit her head on the ice during training in Quebec, left her unable to perform her routines as she had initially planned. Although she has not disclosed specific details about her injury, she has confirmed it is not a concussion, which is somewhat reassuring ahead of the Games.

Stellato-Dudek, a former world pairs champion, has been on the edge of history as she prepares to become the oldest female figure skater to compete at the Olympics in nearly a century. After initially withdrawing from the team event due to her injury, she and her skating partner, Maxime Deschamps, are set to compete in the individual pairs competition, starting Sunday at the Milano Ice Skating Arena. Her earlier plans included an ambitious assisted backflip routine set to 'Carmina Burana,' which she has now opted to forgo given her circumstances.

This situation underscores the intense pressures and physical demands that athletes face as they prepare for global sporting events, particularly when injuries threaten their participation. Stellato-Dudek's resilience in returning to the ice amidst these challenges is noteworthy, and many will be watching with anticipation to see how she performs under such trying conditions in a highly competitive environment.