Local Cadet Competes in National Biathlon Championships

Sea Cadet Eddie Zhao Competed in Biathlon Championships at the National Level this past March, in Valcartier Quebec. Very few Cadets from across Canada were invited to compete in this Competition! Eddie proves that you can do whatever you set your mind to!

Eddie Zhao, Of Charlottetown, Competes in National Biathlon Competition

Eddie Zhao, age 16, from Charlottetown PEI, has been a member of the 23 Kent Sea Cadet Corps, since 2017. Zhao is also a student at Colonel Gray High School, where he found out about the Cadet Organisation from his friends. When Zhao joined cadets, it didn't take him long to find his passion for Biathlon, says the Chief of the Sea Cadet Corps, Patrick O’Hanley, “Eddie started attending our Marksmanship nights, and instantly he was hooked! He even bought his own equipment so that he can practice at home, despite being able to train frequently here at the Corps, with the gear provided by us.” 

After only two and a half years of being involved in the sport of Biathlon, Zhao was invited to compete in the Provincial Biathlon Competition at the Mark Arendz Provincial Ski Park. Zhao achieved great success at the competition by winning two Bronze Medals over the span of the two day competition.

Less than Two Months later, Eddie Zhao was selected as one of the lucky cadets to travel from Charlottetown, to Valcartier, Quebec to compete against the Top Biathletes in the Cadet Organization. It was one of Zhao’s dreams to compete in the National Biathlon Championships.  After all of his hard work, his determination, and the cold snowy weather, Zhao took home a Bronze Medal! This success was not only big for Cadet Eddie Zhao, but for 23 Kent Sea Cadet Corps, as a whole. “This was a huge success for Kent! The last time that one of our cadets went to the National Biathlon Championships, was in the ‘90s. We’ve had success during the recent years in other fields such as Sailing, and Local Marksmanship, but it's been awhile since we've seen anyone compete in National Biathlon,” says Chief of 23 Kent, Patrick O’Hanley, “We hope that this Championship from Cadet Zhao sparks new growth of the sport (biathlon) at our corps, with the other cadets.” Eddie Zhao has proved that if you try really hard, practice often, and have lots of determination, you can achieve whatever you set your mind too!