Milano-Cortina, Italy – – Australian short track speed skater Brendan Corey saw his Olympic ambitions curtailed today, finishing fourth in his 500m qualifying heat and failing to advance to the next round. The result effectively ends his participation in the event at the 2026 Winter Olympics.
The disappointment comes after Corey, originally from Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada, but now residing in Melbourne, VIC, had shown promise leading up to the Games. He competed at the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics, finishing 15th in the 1000m and achieved a personal best of 3rd in the 1500m at the 2024 World Championships in Rotterdam, Netherlands. He also secured a 5th place finish in the 1000m at the World Cup in Dordrecht, Netherlands in November 2021.
Corey’s journey to representing Australia is an unusual one. He initially pursued a spot on the Canadian team before a conversation with Australian Ice Racing officials sparked a change in allegiance. He was drawn to the revitalization of the Australian short track program, reminiscent of the success enjoyed during the era of Steven Bradbury, Australia’s famed gold medalist from the 2002 Salt Lake City Olympics.
A concussion sustained in 2019 also played a role in his decision. Corey felt the Australian program offered a unique opportunity, stating, “I thought the Australian program might be an interesting route for me to take. It just seemed like the stars were aligned, and that I was meant to go down this path.”
The transition wasn’t without its challenges. Corey initially intended to move to Australia in early 2020, but the COVID-19 pandemic forced a relocation to Salt Lake City, Utah, where he trained with the United States team due to limited ice time in Australia. Despite these hurdles, he maintained his Olympic aspirations, declaring, “Since I was a little boy I’ve always dreamed of being at the Olympics and this is just the next step of me getting there.”
Today’s result in the 500m qualifying event marks a setback for Corey. While details of the race itself are limited, the fourth-place finish in his heat was not enough to secure a place in the subsequent rounds. The competitive nature of short track speed skating often hinges on tactical positioning and split-second decisions, and it appears a misstep may have cost Corey a chance to continue his Olympic campaign in this event.
The Australian Olympic team will now focus on other events, with hopes of building on any successes achieved thus far. Corey’s Olympic journey isn’t entirely over, as he remains eligible to compete in other short track distances, should he qualify. However, the 500m represented an early opportunity for a strong showing, and its loss is undoubtedly a disappointment for both the athlete and the Australian team.
Corey’s story is one of perseverance and a willingness to embrace new opportunities. His decision to switch national allegiances and navigate the challenges of training abroad demonstrates a commitment to his sport. While today’s outcome is disheartening, his dedication and past achievements suggest he will continue to strive for success on the international stage.
The short track speed skating competition continues in Milano-Cortina, with Dutch speedsters currently dominating the medal count. The focus now shifts to other athletes and events, as the Winter Olympics progresses.
