Courtney Sarault: A New Brunswick Star Shines on the Olympic Stage

The Olympic Games are showcasing incredible talent, and among the rising stars is Courtney Sarault, a short track speed skater hailing from New Brunswick, Canada. Her achievements are not only a source of pride for her province but also an inspiration to aspiring athletes across the country.

A Historic Olympic Showing

This year’s games marked a historic moment for New Brunswick speed skating. For the first time, three short track speed skaters from the province – Brendan Corey, Rikki Doak, and Courtney Sarault – competed on the Olympic stage simultaneously. Brendan Corey, competing for Australia due to his maternal grandfather’s citizenship, already secured a bronze medal in the 1500m.

Courtney Sarault’s Medal Haul

Courtney Sarault has been making headlines with her impressive performance. She secured a silver medal in the mixed relay and a bronze medal in the 500m, etching her name in New Brunswick’s sporting history. This is the first time an athlete from outside Quebec has won an individual Olympic medal in short track for Canada. Her two medals equal the provincial record set in 1932 by Willie Logan.

“It’s really cool to see her at the Olympics, we’re all invested. It stresses me out watching!” says Emma Leblanc, a fellow skater and coach who has known Courtney since her pre-teen years.

Local Support and Inspiration

Back in Dieppe, New Brunswick, the Cyclones de Codiac speed skating club hosted a public viewing party on Valentine’s Day to celebrate their three Olympic athletes. The atmosphere was electric, with around twenty supporters gathering to cheer on Courtney during the 1000m qualification rounds.

Denis Boudreau, Director of Finance for Speed Skating New Brunswick and former president of the Cyclones de Codiac, expressed immense pride: “We are extremely excited and incredibly proud of them. I really hope Courtney realizes what she is accomplishing. Rikki too, and Brendan… They should be proud of themselves, it’s not easy to get here.”

A Growing Passion for Speed Skating

Sarault’s success is sparking a renewed interest in speed skating within the region. Boudreau notes a surge in public engagement, with conversations about the sport trending on platforms like TikTok and Instagram. “It’s definitely creating excitement and it’s good publicity for the sport,” he says.

Inspiring the Next Generation

For young skaters like Gabriel Bourque and Jonathan Pellerin, members of the Cyclones de Codiac, Courtney Sarault is a role model. “It’s really motivating for someone like me, especially Courtney Sarault, because she comes from the same club as me. So, I know I can do it, right?” says Bourque. Pellerin echoes this sentiment, stating, “It makes us feel like, if they can do it, we can do great things too.”

Courtney Sarault’s journey is a testament to dedication, perseverance, and the power of community support. As she continues to compete, she’s not only chasing Olympic glory but also inspiring a new generation of athletes in New Brunswick and beyond. You can catch the 1000m event on Tou.tv at 6:00 AM (HNA).

Learn more about the Olympic Games: https://olympics.com/en

Explore Speed Skating Canada: https://www.speedskating.ca/en