Halifax, NS (February 15, 2011) - -  Sarah Beaudry of Prince George won the Gold medal in biathlon at the 2011 Canada Winter Games Tuesday, after fighting hard through blowing snow and gusting winds to capture the win in the 7.5 km Sprint Race.  It was her second medal of the Games.

"It was definitely one of my better races," said Sarah. "I shot seven which normally isn’t great shooting, but because of the wind it was a good result. I was pushing really hard on the skis to make up for it."

Joining Sarah on the podium was Kelowna’s Julia Ransom who also battled the elements and put together a strong race to win a Bronze medal, her first medal of the Games. "I’m really excited that my best friend, Sarah, is here with me and won Gold," said Julia. "I’m happy we could do this together."

Both girls, who recently returned from the World Championships in the Czech Republic, now have excellent positioning for Wednesday's 10 km Pursuit Race.

In the Women's Air Pistol Team Event, Erin Beckett (Maple Ridge) and Kathleen Auton (Langley) could hardly believe their eyes when the results were posted and they realized they had just won Silver.

"Its overwhelming.  There aren't words to describe the feeling," said Auton who shot a personal best during competition. .

Team BC's youngest competitor, 10-year-old Shallon Olsen was top BC finisher at the Female All Around Competition, in 5th place.

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Photos to accompany this press release can be downloaded at teambc.org/photos

Media Contact:
Jan Mansfield
Team BC Communications Manager
januscom@shaw.ca; 902-719-8093