New Brunswick, one of Canada’s smallest provinces, has emerged as an unexpected powerhouse in the world of speed skating, particularly in short track. This rise to prominence is exemplified by the recent achievements of Moncton’s Courtney Sarault, who has made history at the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympics by winning the province’s first individual Olympic short track speed skating medal.
Competing in a sport traditionally dominated by athletes from Quebec, Sarault’s success is a testament to the hard work and dedication of a community that once trained in relative obscurity. The province’s high-performance speed skating hub, established in Fredericton, was born from a dream and a modest amount of funding, aimed at nurturing local talent.
Derrick MacLeod, the provincial technical director and coach for Speed Skate New Brunswick, recalls how the initiative started small, with about a dozen skaters training five days a week. Initially aimed at producing just one Canada Games medallist, the program has far exceeded its expectations, now sending three athletes to the Olympics.
Courtney Sarault’s Historic Wins
Courtney Sarault made headlines when she claimed a bronze medal in the women’s 500 meters on February 12, 2026, timing in at 42.427 seconds. This victory marked her as the first Canadian athlete from outside Quebec to achieve an individual medal in Olympic short track speed skating. Following this, she secured a silver medal in the women’s 1,000 meters on February 16, finishing with a time of 1:28.523. Sarault’s journey is particularly remarkable considering she placed 11th in the same event at the 2022 Beijing Olympics.
After her bronze win, Sarault expressed her hope that her achievements would inspire young athletes from smaller towns, stating, “If you want something, you can work for it. Anything’s possible.” This sentiment echoes the spirit of determination that characterizes the athletes from New Brunswick, who are eager to break boundaries and expectations.
Building a Legacy in Speed Skating
Joining Sarault at the Olympics are fellow New Brunswick skaters, Rikki Doak from Fredericton and Brendan Corey, who is competing for the Australian team. Doak, another promising athlete, has not yet competed at the Games but remains a strong contender for the women’s 3,000m relay final scheduled for February 18. The participation of these athletes underscores a significant shift in the competitive landscape of speed skating, traditionally dominated by Quebec.
In the lead-up to the Olympics, the province has also nurtured emerging talent like Courtney Charlong, who recently won gold and bronze medals at the world junior championships, further highlighting the potential for future stars from New Brunswick. With a population of fewer than one million, New Brunswick boasts three Olympic-sized ice surfaces and seven speed skating clubs, supporting around 600 skaters, coaches, and officials.
Community Support and Future Potential
The local community has rallied around these athletes, with gatherings in Fredericton and Dieppe to watch their performances live. “It’s very unusual for us to have athletes at all levels compete at the world stage from New Brunswick,” said Edison Wasson, head coach of the Codiac Cyclones club. “To have three right now that are doing so well just makes that path seem a little more solid and a little more real.”
As Sarault continues to compete, she embodies the resilience and fighting spirit that has turn into synonymous with New Brunswick’s athletes. Her coach, MacLeod, noted that Sarault’s training involved a grueling routine, including a three-hour round trip from Moncton to Fredericton to train five days a week. This dedication is what he believes distinguishes New Brunswick skaters, often referred to as “doing things N.B. Style,” which means taking risks to push forward in races.
With registration numbers for speed skating programs doubling over the past four years, the future looks bright. Many young athletes may yet discover their potential in speed skating, inspired by the current successes. MacLeod emphasizes the importance of fostering this talent: “Sometimes there is kicking down doors, sometimes there’s knocking down doors,” he said, indicating the dual approach needed to overcome obstacles in pursuit of greatness.
Looking Ahead
As the Milano Cortina 2026 Games progress, all eyes will be on Sarault as she competes in the women’s 3,000m relay and the quarterfinals for her 1,000m event. Each race represents not just an opportunity for personal achievement, but also a chance to elevate New Brunswick’s profile in the sport. The collective success of these athletes could pave the way for future generations, showing that with hard work and determination, anything is indeed possible.
As New Brunswick continues to build its legacy in speed skating, the community eagerly supports its athletes, proving that even the smallest provinces can compete on the world stage. Share your thoughts below on how local support impacts athlete success!
