Imagine a province with fewer than a million people, often overshadowed by its larger neighbors, defying the odds to become a powerhouse in one of the world's most demanding sports. That's the story of New Brunswick and its remarkable rise in speed skating. But here's where it gets even more inspiring: this success wasn't built on massive budgets or decades-long traditions. It started with a dream, a handful of dedicated athletes, and a coach who believed in the impossible.
In the capital city of Fredericton, a small group of about a dozen skaters began training five days a week, fueled by passion and a modest amount of funding. "It was a labor of love at first," recalls Derrick MacLeod, the high-performance coach who now serves as the provincial technical director for Speed Skate New Brunswick. Their initial goal was humble: produce one Canada Games medalist and ensure young athletes trained in the best possible environment. But what unfolded exceeded anyone's wildest expectations.
Fast forward to Milano Cortina 2026, and three of those skaters are competing on the world's biggest stage—a monumental achievement for a province often overlooked in a sport dominated by Quebec. And this is the part most people miss: Courtney Sarault, from Moncton, N.B., became the first Canadian outside Quebec to win an individual short track speed skating medal at the Olympics. Her bronze in the women's 500 meters and silver in the 1,000 meters aren't just personal victories; they're proof that greatness can emerge from anywhere.
"I hope this inspires people from smaller towns to dream big," Sarault told CBC's Devin Heroux. "If you want something, you can work for it. Anything’s possible."
But Sarault isn’t alone. Rikki Doak, another New Brunswicker, joins her on the Olympic team, and Brendan Corey, also from Fredericton, is competing with Australia's short track team. Even younger skaters like Courtney Charlong, who recently won gold and bronze at the world junior championships, are proving that New Brunswick's talent pool runs deep. Controversial question: Could New Brunswick someday rival Quebec as a speed skating powerhouse?
The province's infrastructure—three Olympic-sized ice surfaces, seven speed skating clubs, and about 600 skaters, coaches, and officials—is impressive for its size. Yet, MacLeod acknowledges Quebec's dominance while boldly asserting, "We can compete against them. We can beat them. We know that."
This success isn’t just about medals; it’s about creating a pathway for future generations. As Edison Wasson, head competitive coach with the Codiac Cyclones, puts it, "To have three athletes doing so well makes that path seem a little more solid and real. It’s fantastic."
What sets New Brunswick's skaters apart? It’s their grit. Sarault’s 500m bronze is a perfect example. Despite struggling with turns, she fought back, taking risks and leaving everything on the ice. Coaches from Quebec call it "doing things N.B. style"—a bold, relentless approach that’s becoming the province’s trademark.
But here’s the real question: Can this momentum be sustained? MacLeod believes so, pointing to doubling registration numbers over the past four years. The next great speed skater might be a figure skater or hockey player today, just waiting to discover their true calling. As MacLeod puts it, "Sometimes there’s kicking down doors, sometimes there’s knocking down doors."
So, what do you think? Can New Brunswick truly challenge Quebec’s dominance in speed skating? Or is this just a fleeting moment of glory? Let us know in the comments—we’d love to hear your thoughts!
