SHORT TRACK SKATING: He's a self-professed "underdog," but that won't stop Brendan Corey from giving everything he's got when he launches his Olympic campaign tonight in the men's 1000m heats.
The 24-year-old will compete in both the 1000m and 500m events at Beijing 2022, but he’s thrilled to start off with the longer of the two events.
“I really enjoy the pace of the 1000m race because there’s enough time for a bit of strategy and excitement, but it’s also short enough that you really have to go all-out from the start,” Brendan said.
“It’s such an exciting event and I get a huge adrenalin rush from it.”
The 1000m is also a special event for Australia – after Steven Bradbury famously claimed gold at the 2002 Salt Lake Olympics. Despite that success, Brendan is the first competitor in this class since Vancouver 2010.
“My focus for now is obviously to make it through to the quarter-finals, but as well as that I’d really like my races to inspire the next generation of skaters to have a go.
“It’s such a fantastic sport and there’s so much more to it than just the speed – there’s the tight turns, the strategy, the technique – and I hope people really get into it.”
Brendan will be in the last group to take the ice this evening – drawing heat eight for the first of his qualifiers. To make it to the quarter-finals skaters must finish in the top two of their heat, or be among the four fastest 3rd placed athletes.
“I’m trying not to have pressure on myself. I just have to focus on the race itself, on my technique.”
Born in Canada, the Australian is proud to represent the green and gold in what he hopes is just the start of his Olympic journey.
“The journey to Beijing was a long one. When I got here, it took a little while for it to hit me that I’ve really done it – I’m here to compete at an Olympic Games, just like I dreamed about as a kid.
“I’ve been trying to soak it all in while also staying focused on what I’m here to do. I’m sure it will hit me properly when I step out on the ice.”
Katherine Firkin
