Hatter Émilie Beriault shows off the medal she won at IFBB Pro Qualifier the first weekend in August in Toronto. (Photo Submitted)

By Lisa Parent

Local bodybuilder climbing the ranks with third place finish at nationals

Aug 8, 2023 | 11:39 AM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – Only weeks after entering her first bodybuilding competition and placing on the podium, Medicine Hat’s Émilie Beriault has now secured a bronze medal at nationals in Toronto.

After flying home Sunday night, Beriault has been taking in the experience at the big competition, the IFBB Pro Qualifier.

“It was honestly so surreal. I have a hard time putting into words how my whole weekend went, purely because if you asked me a year ago if I would be on a national stage with 300 other athletes that are of Canada’s best calibre, I’d think that you’re joking,” Beriault said.

After arriving in Toronto on Thursday, Beriault went through preparation for the competition. This included weigh-ins, height measurements and tanning on Friday. On Saturday, Beriault had to wake up at 3 a.m. on Saturday for hair and makeup. With around 300 other athletes, Berault took the stage Saturday where she snagged her bronze medal in the figure category.

“So it was six months in the works and I’m finally getting that gratification, standing up there in front of all of those people, it was just the coolest experience. I remember stepping off stage and we hadn’t even done finals. I didn’t even know what I placed yet, and I’m telling my coach, all right, so what’s the plan for next year?” Beriault said smiling.

WHAT'S ON

Here is what's on this weekend in Medicine Hat: Dec. 12-14

Dec 12, 2025

WHAT'S ON

Here is what's on this weekend in Medicine Hat: December 5-7

Dec 05, 2025

WHAT'S ON

Top five things to do at the Medicine Hat Public Library in December

Nov 30, 2025

She added, “like I was just beyond excited and it’s just reigniting this fuel in me or this fire in me. Like, I’m ready to just keep going.”

After her success in Toronto, Berault automatically qualifies for nationals next year, and is already hard at work preparing for future shows.