Éric Bédard, Canadian speed skater and coach
Éric Bédard (born December 17, 1976, in Sainte-Thècle, Quebec) is a Canadian short track speed skater who has won 4 Olympic medals (2 gold, 1 silver, 1 bronze). He participated in three individual events at the 2006 Winter Olympics and finished fourth in the 500 meters. He also led a team into the 5000 meter relay, winning the silver medal. He has been a longtime member of Canada's short track team and has won four medals in three Olympic games: bronze in the 1,000 meters in Nagano, and two golds and a silver in the 5,000 meter relay. He has also had a lot of success at the World Championships, capturing 10 medals, including three golds (5,000 m relay in 2005 and 1998 and 500 m in 2000).
Bédard was national squad coach of Germany from 2008 till 2010. From 2010 until 2014 he coached the Italian national team. He also coaches the Canadian national team.