Australian Speed Skater Disappointed After Early Exit in Qualifying

Brendan Corey, the Australian speed skater, expressed his disappointment after a lackluster performance in the qualifying heat for the 1000m short track skating event at Milano Cortina 2026. He finished last in his heat, which left him feeling upset with himself. Corey felt he had let his parents down during this critical moment of the competition.

Event Details

In the first heat of the 1000m event, Corey started in second position. For most of the race, he held third place among the competitors. However, on the final lap, he was surpassed by Kazakhstan’s Denis Nikisha, resulting in a fourth-place finish in his heat.

Results Overview

• 1st Place: Pietro Sighel (Italy) – qualified 0.312 seconds ahead of Corey
• 2nd Place: Quentin Fercoq (France)
• 3rd Place: Denis Nikisha (Kazakhstan)
• 4th Place: Brendan Corey (Australia)

Corey’s Reflections

Corey recognized his performance was below expectations. He stated, “I didn’t skate a very good race and I’m quite upset with myself.” Despite training alongside elite competitors like Sighel and Fercoq, he struggled to keep pace, especially as the race progressed at a slower speed for the first three laps.

Expert Commentary

Steven Bradbury, a notable figure in Australian speed skating, provided analysis during the race coverage. He noted that Corey’s decision to remain in the race’s slower pace allowed Fercoq to gain an advantageous position. This strategy ultimately impacted Corey’s performance as he couldn’t accelerate effectively under the softer ice conditions.

Looking Ahead

Despite the setback in the 1000m, Corey remains focused on his upcoming events. He will be competing in both the 500m and 1500m races, with the 1500m being his favored distance. Corey remains determined to improve and represent Australia with pride at the Winter Olympic Games.

After the race, Corey took a moment to reflect on his family’s unwavering support. He acknowledged the pressure of performing well, especially in front of his parents, who were in attendance. “I feel like I let them down a little bit in that one, but I know they’re still proud of me regardless,” he shared.