In Motion: Courtney Sarault

"IT WAS HARD LIKE ANYTHING, MOVING AWAY FROM HOME. I'M GLAD I DID IT."

 

At 22 years old, Canadian Short Track Speed Skater Courtney Sarault is already a veteran on the circuit with 30 international medals and an Olympics on her résumé. Hailing from New Brunswick, she knew she was destined to move to Montréal, Québec, the hotbed of skating in Canada, in order to pursue her passion and take strides towards her goals of representing her country in the Olympics.

Courtney is no stranger to sports. Her father had a twenty-two year long career playing professional hockey for teams including the Montréal Canadiens, Calgary Flames, and Colorado Avalanche. She credits her father for raising her with the idea that playing multiple sports would give her the fundamental skills in order to be successful at any sport she chose to pursue.

Courtney played soccer, rugby and ice hockey in addition to speed skating. She ultimately chose to pursue speed skating because she said there was no other sport that made her feel like short track did. It was fun and her coaches were supportive and created an environment for her to thrive in. She also loved speed skating because the way the girls hair would fly in the wind when they would go fast. She wanted that same feeling.

Outside of the rink, Courtney loves baking and animals. She grew up with a handful of labrador retrievers at home and jumps at the chance to take her neighbors dog on walks. She eventually wants a dog of her own but the short track grind and traveling schedule make it difficult. Something that most athletes can attest to.

Courtney looks to carry her momentum forward into the next quad and has ambitions of being the best while continuing to have fun on a day-to-day basis.