Australian Skater Brendan Corey Looking to Channel Steven Bradbury at 2026 Winter Olympics
02/02/2026|SB Staff| Olympics News
Skater Brendan Corey Looking to Channel Steven Bradbury – Podium News Summary:
- Brendan Corey looking to emulate 2002 gold medal-winning Australian speed skater Steven Bradbury at the 2026 Winter Olympics.
- Canadian-born Australian is training with Italian Olympic team ahead of Milano-Cortina 2026
- The speed skater who represented Australia at Beijing 2022 will compete in the Men's 1500m event later this month.
From Ice Hockey to Olympic Dreams
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.
However, his passion lay purely in speed rather than puck-handling skills.
"After about a year I said, 'Dad, I don't care where the puck is, I just want to skate fast'," Corey recalled.
This pivotal decision led him to short track speed skating, where he immediately showed promise racing against older, taller competitors.
The transition proved beneficial, as competing against more experienced skaters provided valuable chase-down experience that accelerated his improvement.
His dedication to pure speed over tactical gameplay became the foundation for his future Olympic aspirations.
Strategic Move to Represent Australia
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.
Leveraging his grandparents' dual citizenship, Corey made the strategic decision to represent Australia instead of pursuing opportunities with the Canadian skating programme.
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.
"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."
Training in Italy and Overcoming Adversity
Recognising Australia's limited short track speed skating infrastructure, Corey relocated to Italy two years ago to train with the Italian Olympic team.
This arrangement provides mutual benefits, with Corey contributing to their programme while accessing world-class facilities and training partners.
"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.
The Italian landscape and cuisine have provided additional motivation, with Corey praising the "delicious pizza and pasta" alongside the beautiful mountain scenery.
Serious Injury and Recovery
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.
The severity of the injury required immediate medical attention and temporarily halted his training.
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.
Milano-Cortina 2026 Ambitions
With four years of additional experience since Beijing, Corey approaches Milano-Cortina 2026 with enhanced tactical awareness and physical conditioning.
His extended exposure to international competition has provided crucial insights into competitor habits and race strategies.
"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.
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