Henley-in-Arden's Niall Treacy vows to fight back after Winter Olympics heartache

NIALL Treacy vowed to be back again in four years’ time after immersing himself in a ‘surreal’ Winter Olympic debut.

The 21-year-old short track speed skater from Henley-in-Arden was unable to progress through his 1,000m heats as Britain’s rotten luck on the Olympic ice continued in Beijing.

But Treacy has been a sponge to his surroundings in the Chinese capital and relished the chance to fly the Team GB flag on the big stage. He knows nothing can prepare an athlete for the bright Olympic lights and reckons Milano Cortina 2026 will be his time to shine.

He said: “I’ve had half an eye on four years’ time, even before I came out here.

“That was the goal before these Olympics – using it as a learning experience. I’m 21, so I don’t see this as being my last Olympics – I came here and it was about doing everything I can, taking in everything I can so I can gain as much experience as possible and learn as much as I can.

“It’s like no other competition – it’s so surreal and not much can prepare you for it apart from doing an Olympics itself, so I’ll be using that for 2026. It’s been really exciting. The build-up of us coming out as part of Team GB and being at the airport - it was so special to be part of the team.”

Niall's brother Farrell is competing in the 1,500m later today, Wednesday.

Entain, owner of Ladbrokes and Coral, is proud to be championing the next generation of British sporting heroes by providing talented young athletes with financial support and personal development opportunities in partnership with SportsAid. Visit entaingroup.com to find out more.