Joël Bourgeois is a native of Grand-Digue and a notable long-distance runner, both nationally and internationally. He has competed in middle and long-distance races in a career spanning several decades. He represented Canada in the 3,000-meter steeplechase at two Olympic Games: 1996 in Atlanta and 2000 in Sydney. He won gold at the 1999 Pan-American Games in Winnipeg and silver in 2003 in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. In all, he won 14 Canadian track and field titles, and was named to the national teams more than 50 times. He represented New Brunswick at the Canada Games and three Jeux de la Francophonie. He is an 11-time national steeplechase champion, once in the youth category, twice in junior and eight times in senior, a testament to his longevity in a grueling event.

Inducted into the New Brunswick Sports Hall of Fame June 1, 2024.