Judy and Stephen Hale of Charlottetown win Myriam Bedard biathlon award

Charlottetown couple Judy and Stephen Hale received an unexpected honour at the Canadian biathlon championships in Quebec recently when they were awarded the Myriam Bedard award, recognizing commitment and dedication to excellence in biathlon. 

Judy Hale had no idea they were getting the award and said it was an exciting surprise.

"It certainly does represent what Stephen and I stand for, so to be recognized on the national stage ... is quite humbling," she said.

The Hales have been involved in helping build biathlon in Canada for about 30 years, including the last two decades on P.E.I.

They coach a number of young Island competitors, two of whom just returned from the North American championships in Maine with huge wins. Caitlin Campbell of Bedeque won the overall North American title for junior women (19-20 age group) and Lucas Boudreau of Emyvale earned the overall youth title (17- to 18-year-olds). His twin brother Andre was a close runner-up.

Campbell and Boudreau just did the Canadian Nationals and North American championships back-to-back — seven races in 10 days. Hale said their program is small, but mighty.

"We've been able to set the bar high and have our athletes work hard to have those huge achievements, such 
as making the World Youth and Junior team this year. That's two out of 16 athletes across the country, so that's pretty good considering the small base of numbers that we have here," she said.

Lucas Boudreau won the gold medal in the mass start event at the championships with his twin, Andre, taking the silver medal in the pursuit event. In addition to her title, Campbell came home with three silver medals.

"These successes are a team effort," said Hale. "With credit going to all the coaching staff, parents and supporters alike.

"It's a really strong biathlon community here and it's only under those supportive conditions that people can thrive."