INUVIK - When Cullen McLeod, 14, started his week at the Arctic Winter Games, he had one goal - to beat his performance at the 2008 games in Yellowknife.

Two years ago, Cullen helped his team to gold in the speedskating relay, but missed the podium in his individual races. This time, he hoped to repeat his relay win and reach the podium in his other races. On the first day of competition, Cullen succeeded.

Inuvik speed skaters Roald Langford, Connor McLeod and Cullen McLeod, pose for a shot after the first day of competition. - Chris Puglia/NNSL photo

His gold-medal performance in the 777-metre juvenile division helped propel the NWT to second place as of Tuesday.

Before the race, McLeod expected fierce competition from teammate Shawn Conway of Yellowknife and he was not disappointed. Conway gave McLeod a close fight for top spot finishing only .33 seconds behind for silver. NWT athletes dominated the event as Yellowknife's Dominique Bennet took the bronze.

Cullen's brother Connor McLeod, 16, also took an ulu after the first day of competition, winning bronze in the junior division 1000-metre.

Connor said he has enjoyed the games thus far.

"(The) Games have been fun, lots of pin trading," he said.

His highlight, other than medalling, was the opening ceremonies.

Some Team NWT athletes were disappointed the contingent was put up in the stands, near the back of the arena instead of the floor seating, but Connor didn't mind.

"It was a good view but my little brother was mad because we didn't get a lot of TV time," he said.

Also competing in speedskating for Inuvik is Roald Langford, who won silver in the 500-metre juvenile male speedskating division.