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Myriam Bédard (born December 22, 1969) is a Canadian biathlete (ret), winner of two Olympic gold medals. Born in Neufchatel, Québec, Bédard participated in her first biathlon event at age 15, and became Canadian junior champion in the sport in 1987.
In 1991, Bédard was the first Canadian to win a biathlon World Cup event, and she formed part of the Canadian team at the 1992 Winter Olympics, in Albertville, France – the first time women competed in biathlon at the Olympics – and Bédard won a bronze medal in the 15 km. The following year she won her first major title, as she won the 7.5 km event at the World Championships, also placing second in the 15 km race. At the 1994 Winter Olympics in Lillehammer, Norway, she improved this performance, and won both individual events.
She briefly retired from the sport to give birth to her daughter (the father was another biathlete, Jean Paquet). Her comeback was not very successful, being hampered by injuries. After the 1998 Winter Olympics, Bédard retired from biathlon. She later announced an attempt to make the Canadian Olympic team as a speed skater, but did not pursue this goal for long. Currently, Myriam Bédard is one of eight persons (and the only woman) in the International Biathlon Union's executive board, where she serves as the IBU's Vice President responsible for Special Issues.
