Racing Toward New Perspectives: How Speed Skater Ella Robinson Renauld is Growing in Sport and Life

Ella Robinson Renauld's path to the world stage began with a simple search for the right sport. "I was looking for things for Ella to do, and we had tried soccer," recalled her father, Joseph. "But then we realized it might be good to try more individualized sports. So we thought speed skating could be the right fit since she had already learned to skate with my dad and I."

From those early days on the ice to now competing at the Special Olympics World Winter Games in Turin, Ella has embraced every opportunity, pushing herself and continuing to grow as an athlete. She had her first taste of competition in Turin during her divisioning race—a critical step in ensuring fair and competitive events. Reflecting on the race, she admitted, "I think I could have pushed myself harder, but even still, the ice felt amazing in that moment, and all my jitters went away." As she crossed the finish line, Ella didn’t just focus on her own performance—she turned her attention to her fellow skaters. Stationed at centre ice, she clapped and cheered for every competitor until they finished, a true display of sportsmanship that defines the Special Olympics spirit.

Ella’s first major Games experience was at the Special Olympics Canada Winter Games in Calgary, a moment that profoundly impacted both her and her family. "I was very impressed with the local competitions when Ella started participating," her mother, Karyn, shared. "But what really blew my mind was how the National Games in Calgary were organized and how it all played out. It just felt like it really honoured the athletes, took their hard work seriously, and truly celebrated them." Beyond the competition itself, the experience proved to be transformative for Ella. "It’s given her the opportunity to develop sportsmanship, to develop confidence, and to develop that ability to push herself—but in a healthy way," Karyn added. For Ella, the Games weren’t just about competition. "I quite enjoyed those Games," she said. "It was my first time, and I had a lot of fun meeting people from other provinces and pin trading with them. Even though I fell once, it was still really good."

Now, in Turin, Ella has reached new heights. "We had no idea this was even an option, to be honest," Karyn admitted. "I was already so impressed with Nationals, and I didn’t even know there were World Games. Once we came here and saw how many countries were participating, it really moved me. I just thought it was the most beautiful thing—to see so much of the world coming together to celebrate sport, to celebrate inclusivity. I was just really blown away." Joseph echoed that sentiment, reflecting on the unity of the moment: "When everyone’s all cheering together, for one another, even with everything going on in the world, that just really showed how everyone recognized that we’re all on the same human level and we can have these powerful shared experiences."

Beyond the rink, Ella has a deep love for science and space, often dreaming of what lies beyond our world. Her curiosity extends to the people she meets at competitions, where she enjoys learning about different cultures and hearing how athletes from around the globe approach their sport. "It gives me a greater perspective on the world," she said, explaining how meeting competitors from other countries has broadened her understanding and appreciation of different experiences.

She has also learned the importance of perseverance—an essential lesson from speed skating. One of her biggest challenges early on was struggling with exhaustion during 500m races. But through consistent training and determination, she has built the endurance to push through, proving to herself that hard work leads to progress.

With another round of divisioning ahead before the finals, Ella remains focused. Her coaches, Donna Bilous and Benton McNicol, are incredibly happy with her progress on the team. Even after this first divisioning race, which was just shy of her current personal best time, they are confident she is on track to achieve personal bests in one, if not all, of her races. The anticipation is high—not just for her but for the entire Special Olympics Team Canada delegation, as the upcoming finals will offer the first medal opportunities in speed skating at the Games. For her parents, seeing Ella compete on the world stage was a moment of immense pride. "We were very proud. And very excited," they said. Ella herself felt the nerves. "I was so nervous," she admitted. "It didn’t show on the ice!" her mom jumped in, beaming.

When asked what they would say to other parents or community members considering Special Olympics, Joseph and Karyn had a simple but powerful message. "I would say definitely get involved in one way or another," said Karyn. "Because it just widens your world and supports new experiences and growth." 

"And building friendships," Joseph added.

As competition continues in Turin, Ella remains focused on what she set out to do—push herself harder than ever before. With each race, she is not just competing but learning, refining her approach, and gaining experience that will carry her forward. No matter the results, she has already proven that dedication and perseverance can open doors to opportunities she never imagined. And as she steps onto the ice for her next race, she does so knowing she belongs on this stage, ready to give it everything she has.