Thessalon’s Shiloh Rousseau did Canada proud by winning three medals in biathlon at the 2023 FISU World University Games, held in January in Lake Placid, New York.
Rousseau’s gold medal in the women’s 12.5-kilometre short individual biathlon was the first biathlon gold medal ever won by Canada in the history of the Games. It was also the first gold medal Canada won at this year’s 11-day event. Canadian competitors won 13 medals in all.
Rousseau followed up her gold with a silver medal in the women’s 7.5 sprint race kilometre on Jan. 18 and another gold medal in the women’s 10-kilometre pursuit race on Jan. 19. Her spectacular performance earned her the honour of being the team’s flag bearer at the game’s closing.
The 24-year-old athlete is a biology student at the University of Ottawa. She expressed gratitude to several sponsors in the Thessalon area, including the Thessalon and Area Rod & Gun Club.
“Their support has been incredible,” she said.
Rousseau has competed in biathlon events since age 12, starting with air rifles. She was also on Canada’s World Youth Junior Championship team prior to this event.
Asked what it felt like to perform so well as such a high level, she replied, “I always had a goal to win a high-level event, but I didn’t know what to expect going into these games. I went there for the experience. Walking away with these medals was amazing.”
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