New Brunswick’s speed skating high-performance center was established through a combination of aspiration and initial funding. Initially, a small group of approximately twelve proficient skaters trained rigorously in Fredericton, the capital of the province, five days a week. Derrick MacLeod, who initially coached the group and now serves as the provincial technical director and coach for Speed Skate New Brunswick, described the early days as a “labour of love.”
The primary objective was to develop a medallist for the Canada Games and provide a conducive training environment for young skaters. The results exceeded expectations, with three skaters from the group now participating in short track speed skating at the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympics. This achievement is significant for a province like New Brunswick, which has historically been overshadowed in a sport dominated by Quebec athletes.
Courtney Sarault, hailing from Moncton, New Brunswick, made history by winning the women’s 500 meters event, becoming the first non-Quebec Canadian to secure an individual short track speed skating medal. Sarault’s inspirational journey includes a bronze in the 500m and a silver in the 1,000m event at Milano Cortina 2026, showcasing her dedication and determination.
Accompanying Sarault at the Olympics is her fellow New Brunswicker, Rikki Doak, representing the only non-Quebec members on the short track Olympic team. The province’s talent pool extends beyond the current Olympians, with promising young skaters like Courtney Charlong from Campbellton showcasing their potential on the global stage.
In a province with limited resources but a growing interest in speed skating, the success of these athletes highlights the potential for future champions. The community in Fredericton and Dieppe gathered to support their local heroes, signaling a newfound excitement for the sport in New Brunswick.
The success of Sarault, Doak, Corey, and Charlong underscores the province’s emerging presence in the speed skating world. Their achievements pave the way for aspiring athletes in New Brunswick, demonstrating that with dedication and perseverance, anything is possible in the world of competitive sports.