Long-track speed skater Brooklyn McDougall is no stranger to the Olympics.
The Calgarian made her debut at the Winter Games in Beijing in 2022.
But McDougall recently had the opportunity to take in the Summer Olympics in Paris in a completely different way through the Olympican Artists Programme.
McDougall – who is a director with the Calgary Booster Club and a four-time recipient of the Art Smith Endowment Grant – recently shared details of her whirlwind trip to France and her artistic inspirations.
Here is a question-and-answer session with the Olympian about her experience:
Q: Most people know you as an Olympic athlete, but tell us about the artistic side of you? How did you get into it and what does it mean to you?
A: Art has always been a part of my life. I grew up surrounded by wonderful artists, including my grandmother (my mom’s mom) and grandfather (my dad’s dad). They both encouraged me to pursue my artistic passion growing up, and I decided to take Art Advanced Placement in Grade 10. However, I took some time away from my art while I was pursuing other interests, as well as focusing on my university studies in biological sciences.
Just before my grandfather passed away in 2019, we went for lunch and talked about art. He said to me, ‘I really think you should explore art again!’ When he passed away, I really missed him and decided to pick up the paintbrush again. It made me feel close to him again. Now, art is part of my daily life and I am so grateful for that.
Q: Tell us about your series entitled The Trailblazers. Where did the idea for this series come from and why is it important to you?
A: As I was preparing my proposal for the Olympian Artists Programme, I knew I wanted to take a feminist approach to the Olympics. The Paris 2024 Olympics is the first in history to achieve full gender parity among athletes. As I did more research into the history of women’s participation in the Olympics, I found out that the first Olympics women were allowed to compete was Paris 1900. I thought it was quite fitting, given 124 years later we are back in Paris, to honour the first female Olympic Champions – Hélène de Pourtalès, Charlotte Cooper, and Margaret Abbott. These women truly paved the way for future female Olympians – including myself.
As part of my project, I also wrote fictional, yet historically accurate, articles for each woman. Since these women never received proper recognition for becoming Olympic Champions, I decided to write articles that would have been fitting for newspapers to write in 1900. These women were lost to history – Margaret Abbott even lived her whole life and never knew she was an Olympic Champion! I want to make sure these women are never forgotten again. Women deserve more recognition in sport, and this project was my way of adding to that conversation.
Q: How did you find out that your work was going to be on display at the Paris Olympics?
A: In April 2023, I received an email for a ‘call for applications’ among Olympians who also practice any art form, to send a proposal for potential exhibition at the Paris 2024 Olympics. I worked on my proposal – The Trailblazers – and submitted my plan in June. I found out in October that I was one of six Olympian artists chosen to have my work on display. So, from October 2023 to March 2024, I worked hard on my three portraits to have them ready for the summer. I shipped my art to Paris in June, and crossed my fingers they made it to Paris intact.
Q: OK, you find out your art is going to be part of the Olympics in Paris and then you get the opportunity to go over there. Walk us through your mad dash to get to France and participate in the Olympics in this unique way.
A: I wasn’t even sure I would be able to go to Paris to see my exhibit, but in early July I was invited by the Olympic Museum to join the celebration and inauguration of Club 24 – where my art would be displayed. So my boyfriend (fellow speed skater Tyson Langelaar) and I booked flights and left for Paris two weeks later. It was such a whirlwind, but truly a trip of a lifetime. We were in Paris for five days and made the most out of every minute.
Q: What was the Paris experience like, as well as the Paris Olympics experience? What were the highlights of your trip?
A: Paris was absolutely incredible. The entire week felt like a ‘pinch me’ moment. Tyson and I spent time at art museums, searched out the best restaurants, and enjoyed many cafes. Since we were there the week before the Olympics began, we finished our trip with the Opening Ceremonies along the River Seine.
The highlight of the trip was definitely speaking about my art to IOC President Thomas Bach. As well, sharing this moment with the other five Olympian artists was very special. I loved hearing their unique stories about competing and how their art practice was part of their journey.
Q: Was it unusual participating in the Olympics in this way and not directly as an athlete or did it just make it more relaxing and fun?
A: Being a part of the Olympic movement as an artist was less stressful once I knew my art had arrived safely in Paris. So, once I made it to Paris, I felt like I could truly soak in the entire experience, which I am so grateful for.
Experiencing the Olympics in a very unique way made me appreciate the Olympics even more than before. The connection between art and sport is quite intimate, and I drew many parallels between these two aspects of myself. Through this process I have learned to be kinder to myself, to honour my vulnerability through my art practice, and to let go of perfectionism in my sport.
Q: What’s next for you, both as an athlete and as an artist?
A: Right now, I am training full-time for speed skating and I am still working towards the Olympics in 2026.
As for art, I have a few projects and commissions on the go right now. I am hoping to have an art show next summer – this time closer to home. In the future, I hope there is another opportunity to work with the Olympic Museum. It was so much fun to meet other Olympian artists during this project.
Related Link: https://www.ucalgary.ca/news/ice-art-paris.