Catching her breath
Bedeque resident to finish university degree
Bedeque’s Caitlin Campbell takes break from biathlon.
Caitlin Campbell is taking a break from competitive biathlon.
“I am taking this year off from racing to focus on school and finish my general management degree,” explained the 20-yearold daughter of Robert and Cheryl Campbell of Bedeque during a recent interview with the Journal Pioneer. “It was (a) very tough (decision), but you have to decide sometime. I want to finish the degree for now.” The Community of Bedeque and Area recently recognized Campbell and her 22-year-old brother, Carsen Campbell, for their accomplishments in the sport of biathlon locally, nationally and internationally.
In a recent story in the Journal Pioneer, Carsen talked about pursuing a spot on Team Canada’s biathlon team for the 2018 Winter Olympics.
The sport of biathlon is a combination of cross-country skiing and target shooting.
“I really like the shooting aspect, and love how it’s two sports in one,” added Caitlin, who noted “lots of stamina” is required during races.
Only female
Caitlin is the only female from Prince Edward Island to compete for Canada in biathlon.
She was the North American points’ winner for the 201516 and 2016-17 seasons, and a member of Team Canada’s world junior squad in 2015-16.
“Unfortunately, I didn’t qualify for the world junior team last season, but it was still a good season,” assessed Campbell.
“We had a successful time at nationals, placing third in the
team relay and three podiums for me.” With Caitlin being based out of P.E.I. last season, it resulted in a lot of travelling.
“I spent six weeks in Alberta in November and came back, travelled a lot of weekends to Quebec and back, and went to Alberta in March for the North American championships,” explained Caitlin.
When asked if there is any particular highlight that stands out from her biathlon career to date, Caitlin quickly answered, “Competing for Canada at the world juniors in Romania in winter of 2016.”
Caitlin, however, is not ruling out a return to competitive biathlon in the future.
“I have still been training a lot, training is just a habit at this point,” said Sport P.E.I.’s 2016 overall senior female athlete of the year. “I still run and ski a lot.”
She says she would like to get involved in coaching and help grow the sport on P.E.I., especially when she is home next winter.