Calgary speed skater balances art, sport to support women’s centre

Brooklyn McDougall is not just a star on the ice; she’s also making waves in the art world.

The University of Calgary graduate has gained international recognition as both a speed skater and an artist, and is using her talents to support a local women’s centre.

McDougall, a member of Team Canada’s long track speed skating team, recently saw her artwork featured by the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

Her paintings of the first three women to win Olympic medals were displayed at the Paris Games last summer.

“It was a real full-circle moment, where Paris 2024 was the first Olympics where we achieved full gender parity among athletes,” McDougall said.

“It was a perfect project to work on leading into Paris, (shedding) light on the women who came before, as they didn’t receive much credit back then.”

McDougall has been commissioned for the second year in a row to design t-shirts for the upcoming ISU World Cup—an event in which she will also compete.

“It means a lot to be commissioned by Speed Skating Canada and the International Skating Union to develop t-shirts,” she said.

All proceeds from the t-shirt sales will go to the Calgary Women’s Centre.

On Thursday, McDougall hosted a watercolour class at the centre, where she shared her passion for art and supported the centre’s mission.

“Their mission aligns with my values of women’s and girls' empowerment. I’m very passionate about women’s physical and mental health,” McDougall said.

“I think they’re an amazing charity in Calgary, and I think having a great partnership with them is really powerful.”

The executive director of the women’s centre, Lana Bentley, praised McDougall for her multi-faceted talents.

“Brooklyn represents the multi-dimensions that women have,” Bentley said.

“You can be a high-performance athlete, you can be a community leader and you can also be creative. Part of what we try and do here is help women connect with all the dimensions of who they are.”

McDougall finds parallels between her art and her sport, noting both require natural talent, good coaching and lots of practice.

“There’s definitely crossover between sport and art,” McDougall said.

“Once you’re in the flow, with my art, it can be very meditative. You just see where the art takes you. It’s the same on the ice. When I’m skating well and having fun, that’s where the magic happens.”

McDougall will compete at the ISU World Cup, which takes place Jan. 24-26 at the Olympic Oval in Calgary.