Rikki Doak

Rikki Doak learned to skate when she was just five years old.

At 27, the Fredericton, New Brunswick native is at the Winter Olympics in Milan, where she’ll compete as a short track speed skater in the 3000 metre women’s relay. It’s her first time qualifying for the Olympic Games.

“I remember when I was five, I was watching the Olympics in my basement on my TV. And I thought, that doesn’t even seem possible in my mind at that age. And then as I got older, I started to train harder. I think maybe like six years ago is kind of when it started to hit me that this was actually possible, and if I worked hard enough, it could become reality,” Doak told our newsroom.

Four-year training plan

She said her coach created a four-year plan, “You just kind of have to trust the process. Two years ago, I might not have been feeling my best, but it’s all a plan to be here at our strongest. So it really started four years ago, when I put all my trust into my coaches and did what they wanted me to do.”

She added that she has been training really hard, but the past four years have been specific to the Olympic Games.

“I like to go fast. I like going into the corner, super leaned and feeling like I’m into the ice with my blades and having the power in my legs to take all the speed I can. So I think going fast, as fast as I can. Of course, winning is always fun. I like winning as a team, like in the relay. I find that more exciting and fun than winning individually in a medal, that really keeps me motivated.” Rikki Doak

Doak will compete on February 14, as a member of the 3000 metre women’s short track relay team, but she says whether she wins a medal or not, just going to the Olympics, is a goal completed.

“Just experiencing this whole month here, that’s what I wanted when I was a kid. So I think just coming here is already a check off my bucket list. Winning obviously would just be a little cherry on top of everything,” Doak said.

An inspiration to other speed skaters

Doak isn’t the only speed skater from New Brunswick. Courtney Sarault, who is from Moncton, has already won two medals in Milan, a bronze and a silver. Doak says they each received a gift of a New Brunswick flag, with signatures from their fellow speed skaters.

Working her way to the Olympics, she is now looked up to by younger speed skaters who aspire to be just like Doak and Sarault. “It’s possible. You’re small, you’re young, and have fun, but also once you see that you’re able to do it, put in all the work, do everything you can, and hard work pays off,” Doak encouraged.