Canada's Sarault captures silver, bronze medals at short track worlds
Moncton, N.B., native climbs the podium 1,000m and 3,000m
Canada's Courtney Sarault added to her medal haul at the short track world championships on Sunday in Dordrecht, Netherlands.
The Moncton, N.B., first won a bronze medal in the women's 1,000m by skating to a time of one minute, 27.470 seconds. Sarault added another podium appearance with a silver medal in the 3,000m Superfinal.
The Canadian skater finished behind of Dutch skater Suzanne Schulting (1:26.854) and Belgium's Hanne Desmet (1:26.993) in a photo finish in the women's 1,000m event.
"I want to be someone that people can look up to," said Sarault. "Having someone from your own province, or your own area, just shows all the little girls and boys out there that they can really achieve anything they want if they put their mind to it. It doesn't matter where you come from, as long as you just believe in yourself.
"I feel really proud that I get to inspire people that maybe aren't from Quebec, but I hope I also inspire Quebec people too. Especially the small town girl or boy that are dreaming big like I did."
WATCH | Canada's Sarault claims silver at worlds:
Sarault then completed her race just behind Schulting again (5:21.602) and ahead of her fellow countrywomen Selma Poutsma (5:22.629) by skating to a time of five minutes, 21.773 seconds in the 3,000m Superfinal.
"I got really emotional at the end of my 3000m when the final standings where posted," said the 20-year-old. 'I realized I was second overall at that point and the waterworks started. I was crying and couldn't control myself. It's really a feeling that is hard to explain.
WATCH | Sarault earns bronze in photo finish:
"In my heart, I was going for the podium [this weekend]. I wasn't sure where I would finish on the podium, but I'm really proud of myself and how I managed in my races."
In all, Sarault made three podium appearances this weekend after earning silver in yesterday's 1,500m final. That finish earned the Canadian skater her first-ever medal at the world championships.
"Looking back to 2018 [when I medaled at the World Junior Championships], it's just been a roller-coaster since then. So many up and downs and things that I never imagined I would have to face. In a few years, so much can happen. I think 2018 was my first awakening that I could be pretty dominant on the world stage and from there on out, I've had it in my mind that I would be up there on top of the world. But I don't think 18-year old me saw this happening."
You can watch all the action from the short track world championships, which stream live on CBCSports.ca all weekend, as well as on Road to the Olympic Games.
With files from Speed Skating Canada
