<h2>Skater Brendan Corey Looking to Channel Steven Bradbury – Podium News Summary:</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>- &nbsp; Brendan Corey looking to emulate 2002 gold medal-winning Australian speed skater Steven Bradbury at the 2026 Winter Olympics.</p> <p>- &nbsp; Canadian-born Australian is training with Italian Olympic team ahead of Milano-Cortina 2026</p> <p>- &nbsp; The speed skater who represented Australia at Beijing 2022 will compete<a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/short-track-speed-skating/st-speed-skating-mens-olympics-2026/mens-1500m-10099334"> in the Men's 1500m event</a> later this month.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>From Ice Hockey to Olympic Dreams</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Brendan Corey's journey to Olympic representation began in an unexpected way. Growing up in Fredericton, a small maritime town bordering Quebec, Corey initially pursued ice hockey at age six.</p> <p>However, his passion lay purely in speed rather than puck-handling skills.</p> <p>"After about a year I said, 'Dad, I don't care where the puck is, I just want to skate fast'," Corey recalled.</p> <p>This pivotal decision led him to short track speed skating, where he immediately showed promise racing against older, taller competitors.</p> <p>The transition proved beneficial, as competing against more experienced skaters provided valuable chase-down experience that accelerated his improvement.</p> <p>His dedication to pure speed over tactical gameplay became the foundation for his future Olympic aspirations.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Strategic Move to Represent Australia</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>A significant turning point came during Corey's twenties following a concussion. Rather than viewing this setback negatively, he used the recovery period to reassess his career trajectory.</p> <p>Leveraging his grandparents' dual citizenship, Corey made the strategic decision to represent Australia instead of pursuing opportunities with the Canadian skating programme.</p> <p>This choice proved fortuitous when he secured an Olympic quota for Beijing 2022, marking his international debut. The Beijing experience, while exciting, served as a learning platform rather than a medal opportunity.</p> <p>"Beijing was my first year on the international stage, so I was just happy to be there," Corey reflected. "I've learned a lot since then. I'm stronger physically and smarter tactically."</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Training in Italy and Overcoming Adversity</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Recognising Australia's limited short track speed skating infrastructure, Corey relocated to Italy two years ago to train with the Italian Olympic team.</p> <p>This arrangement provides mutual benefits, with Corey contributing to their programme while accessing world-class facilities and training partners.</p> <p>"In Australia, it's almost impossible to train here because we don't have the proper facilities or a team large enough to get good training in," Corey explained.</p> <p>The Italian landscape and cuisine have provided additional motivation, with Corey praising the "delicious pizza and pasta" alongside the beautiful mountain scenery.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Serious Injury and Recovery</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Corey's Olympic preparation faced a significant challenge at the 2025 World Championships in Montreal. During competition, a competitor's blade made contact with his neck, causing a fractured thyroid cartilage and two neck lacerations.</p> <p>The severity of the injury required immediate medical attention and temporarily halted his training.</p> <p>Despite the frightening incident requiring stitches and several weeks away from the ice, Corey's determination remained unshaken. His recovery demonstrates the mental fortitude required for elite-level competition.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Milano-Cortina 2026 Ambitions</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>With four years of additional experience since Beijing, Corey approaches Milano-Cortina 2026 with enhanced tactical awareness and physical conditioning.</p> <p>His extended exposure to international competition has provided crucial insights into competitor habits and race strategies.</p> <p>"I feel like over the past four years, I've gained a lot of experience. I've got to know my competitors more closely, and I've been able to study their habits," Corey noted.</p> <p>This strategic approach, combined with his improved physical condition, positions him as a genuine contender for Australia's short track speed skating programme at the upcoming Winter Olympics</p>