Eat, Sleep, Short Track, Repeat: Joshua Boudreau Races for Gold in Turin
Joshua Boudreau has always been driven by speed. For the past 12 years, the Special Olympics Team Canada speed skater has poured his energy into perfecting his technique, pushing his limits, and chasing new records. Now, as he prepares to compete at the Special Olympics World Winter Games Turin 2025, he’s ready to test himself against some of the best in the world.
His path to Turin has been anything but easy. The cancellation of the 2022 World Games was a devastating blow, and like so many athletes, he had to navigate challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. But Joshua kept training, kept pushing forward, determined to reach this moment. His persistence paid off in Calgary earlier this year at the Special Olympics Canada Winter Games 2024, where he won two gold medals and a bronze, proving that he was more than ready for the world stage.
Joshua’s love for speed skating is undeniable. His former coach in Yellowknife, Jeanne Yurris Gord, describes it simply: “He eats, sleeps, and breathes this sport.” Or, as Joshua himself puts it: “Eat, sleep, short track, repeat.” Whether he’s lacing up his skates or chatting with customers at the local grocery store where he works, he’s always talking about his training, his races, and his next big goal. The sport has shaped his life in more ways than one. When he first started, he struggled to find his place. “In the beginning, nobody knew me or wanted to be my friend,” he shares. “Special Olympics made me feel included and like I belonged. Speed skating really helped me because people around me accepted me for who I am.”
Joshua has also drawn inspiration from those around him, including Olympian Michael Gilday, who shares his hometown of Yellowknife. Gilday, who served as an assistant coach for the senior competitive group that Joshua trains with, provided invaluable advice that has stuck with him. “He gave me some great feedback that has stayed with me, and I’m taking it into competition with me here in Turin,” Joshua says.
That sense of belonging and determination has fueled his drive to be faster than ever. Just before heading to Turin, Joshua competed at the Northwest Territories Provincial Speed Skating Championships, clocking a time of 53.91 seconds in the 500m—just shy of his personal best of 53.2 seconds. Now, he has his sights set on breaking that record on the world stage. “I feel really good about things coming out of that competition,” he says. “I have a good feeling about breaking my personal best record in Turin—I’m aiming for 500m in 52 seconds.” He will also take on the 1500m and 777m races, knowing he’ll be facing elite skaters from powerhouse countries like South Korea and the Netherlands. “I’m really curious as to what the competition will be like,” he says. “I think South Korea and the Netherlands might be the ones to look out for—but we’ll see!”
Being selected for Special Olympics Team Canada is a source of pride for Joshua, and while he’s focused on performance, he’s also looking forward to the overall experience. “This is a huge achievement for me!” he says. “My goal is to have fun and make new friends. I also want to achieve a new PB.” His journey in Special Olympics has taught him the value of dedication, hard work, and treating others with kindness. And when asked what advice he would give to someone thinking about getting involved, his message is simple: “Give it a try—you never know if you’ll like it until you try it.”
As he steps onto the ice in Turin, Joshua carries with him years of training, resilience, and a deep love for the sport. Whether he breaks his personal best or not, one thing is certain—he’ll be giving it everything he’s got. Join us in cheering on Joshua and the rest of Special Olympics Team Canada 2025 as they take on the world in Italy!