Powering through the men’s 1500m Short Track quarterfinals, Brendan Corey credited months of studying his opponents’ tactics, for what he described as a “textbook” race.
“It’s easy to get a bit overexcited in these races and to go too hard too soon. I’ve learned that in previous competitions, so I was focused on doing enough without blowing it.”
But things became tougher in the semifinals. Despite an aggressive start, Corey struggled to keep up with the front of the pack, and said he got “jammed” by competitors.
“It started pretty good. The first five laps or so I felt like I was right in there, and then at about eight or nine to go I went to the front from the outside, and that just destroyed my legs completely.” Corey said.
“In the last four laps I literally had nothing left in the tank. I was stuck on the outside and couldn’t find a way back in. Then it all just got away from me. Yeah, that hurt.”
The Canadian-born Aussie was cheered on by his parents in the stands, and said he also felt the love from Australian and Canadian supporters.
That was a special moment to have my parents watching,” he said. “It felt really good after qualifying for the semi-final to see them waving and to see the Aussie flags in the crowd. It was just a really good feeling and it definitely helped me out on the ice.
He’s hoping to carry that support through to his final event – the 500m – which is essentially an all-out sprint for four-and-a-half-laps.
“Yeah there’s not really a lot you can do tactically for that race. It’s just all about speed and power.” Corey said. “I’ll be starting from the boards for that one which is a tough position, but I’ll give it my best and just do what I can.”
Corey will take on the 500m heats on Monday February 16.
