It isn’t easy to achieve the status of an athlete capable of competing in the Olympics but imagine the discipline and the dedication that it takes to excel in two sports. Imagine being able to compete in the Olympics mastering two sporting disciplines and not only being able to master those sports but being the best in them. Myriam Bedard was able to be one of those athletes and because of her skill and determination; she captured two Olympic gold medals.
Born in Quebec, Myriam Bedard joined the Royal Canadian Army Cadets at the young age of fourteen. She became a Canadian Junior Champion for her obvious skill demonstrated that allowed her to capture the title for marksmanship talent in 1987.
Myriam Bedard went on to become the very first Canadian to win a biathlon event in the World Cup. She was also among the first women to compete in a biathlon event for the Olympics. The competition was in France in 1992 where Bedard won a bronze medal.
Myriam Bedard went on to win a major title in 1993. She captured the title of world champion when she won the 7.5 km. event.
The awards and wins that Myriam Bedard secured were ongoing. She won the Lou Marsh Trophy in 1994 because she was honored as a top performing Canadian athlete. She went on to be named the best Canadian female athlete when she won the Velma Springstead Trophy.
Myriam Bedard’s ability to perform as an athlete was evident. Her career soared. However, her personal life must’ve suffered somewhere along the way. She was accused of abducting her daughter and was later discovered in the states with her daughter in her custody.
Myriam Bedard was returned to Canada to stand trial for child abduction. On September 20, 2007, Myriam Bedard was found guilty of child abduction. Still, she will go down in history as one of the greatest female athletes to ever compete in the biathlon events.
|