The province of New Brunswick, home to Canada’s smallest population, is making waves in speed skating. A group of dedicated athletes has emerged as strong contenders, particularly in short track speed skating, ahead of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics.
New Brunswick’s Speed Skating Journey
Initially, the speed skating initiative began small, with a dozen skaters training five days a week in Fredericton. Derrick MacLeod, the high-performance coach, and now provincial technical director, played a pivotal role in this development. His mission was to create a nurturing environment for young athletes aiming for competitive success.
Historic Achievements at Milano Cortina 2026
New Brunswick boasts impressive representation at the upcoming Milano Cortina Winter Olympics. Notably, Moncton’s Courtney Sarault made history by becoming the first Canadian outside Quebec to earn an individual short track speed skating medal. She clinched bronze in the women’s 500 meters with a time of 42.427 seconds and later secured silver in the 1,000 meters, clocking 1:28.523. These accomplishments solidify her status as a top contender in her sport.
- Courtney Sarault: Bronze in 500m, Silver in 1,000m
- Rikki Doak: Competing in 3,000m relay
- Brendan Corey: Competing with the Australian team
A Growing Legacy
At just 25 years old, Sarault’s accolades include a silver medal in the mixed team relay. Her journey reflects the potential for future generations in New Brunswick to achieve Olympic dreams. Sarault hopes her success will motivate young athletes from smaller communities to strive for excellence.
Community Support and Future Aspirations
The recent achievements have inspired community support across New Brunswick. Events held in Fredericton and Dieppe allowed fans to gather and cheer for the athletes. Coaches and mentors emphasize the importance of perseverance and belief in oneself, values demonstrated by Sarault throughout her career.
Future Stars Emerging
New Brunswick’s speed skating community is thriving, with youth athletes like Courtney Charlong showing promise on the international stage. Charlong recently won gold and bronze at the world junior short track championships, proving that talent in speed skating exists throughout the province.
The Path Ahead
New Brunswick might be small, but it is making significant strides in speed skating. The province currently has three Olympic-sized ice surfaces, seven speed skating clubs, and around 600 participants involved in the sport.
As interest in speed skating grows, MacLeod remains optimistic about the future. He notes that registration numbers have doubled in recent years. “The next great New Brunswick speed skating athlete may be training in another sport today,” he said, highlighting the broad potential for talent development in the region.
With rising competitors and a community that believes in the power of dreams, New Brunswick is set to continue its remarkable journey in speed skating.
