Biathlon and bagpipe world titles in sight for teen

Carsen Campbell of Bedeque, east of Summerside, P.E.I., has always been highly motivated, says his father. (CBC)

'I like to win,' says Carsen Campbell of P.E.I.

CBC News

Posted: Feb 7, 2012 9:09 AM AT

A 17-year-old from P.E.I. is on his way to two world championships this year: a youth biathlon competition later this month, and a piping event in August.

Carsen Campbell of Bedeque, east of Summerside, earned a spot on Canada's young biathlon team last weekend in Quebec. That would make a successful year for any 17-year-old, but in addition to travelling to Kontiolahti, Finland, for the world youth biathlon, Campbell is going to Glasgow for the world piping championship. He is a part the band that is the reigning North American champion.

Firing a gun over a cross country ski course and playing bagpipes may seem like entirely different activities, but Campbell sees some similarities.

"Shooting under pressure and performing under pressure is a little bit the same," he said.

"You have to keep relaxed and calm and in control."

Carsen Campbell will compete in biathlon in Finland later this month. (CBC)

Campbell's proud parents say some credit for Carsen's big year can go to the fact he's home schooled, which gives him more time to train. But they say the main ingredient is sheer determination.

"He trains three or four hours a day for his biathlon, and he plays the pipes constantly," said Robert Campbell.

"Carsen's always been a highly motivated kid. Ever since he was little he's been very tenacious. Whatever he set his mind to he'd just go after and wouldn't let go of. It seems to be paying off for him now."

'It's rather strange'

Carsen Campbell said the turn of events that has him going to two world championship in one year seems as strange to him as it does to anyone else.

"I don't really know how that happened. It's rather strange, but it's just the way it worked out," he said.

"I'm very competitive. I like to win. I like to beat the guys from the provinces with 10 million people."

After attending two world championships in a year at age 17, Campbell said about the only thing that could top this year is an appearance at the Olympics: either competing for a medal, or piping in the athletes at a medal ceremony.