Category
Athlete
Sport
Wheelchair Sports
Hometown
Fredericton
Year Inducted
2012
athlete, sports ambassador
Hal Merrill
HONOURED MEMBER
Biography
Hal Merrill, of Fredericton, is an internationally-recognized Paralympian who competed at three Paralympics Games (1992, 1996, 2000) in discus, shot-put and javelin. He also appeared at the World Track and Field championships, World Wheelchair Games and other international competitions. An 11-year Canadian Paralympic team member, he won gold, silver or bronze medals in all his disciplines while establishing Canadian and world records. Dedication, hard work and perseverance have been lauded as keys to his long-term success. Merrill has twice been awarded Sport New Brunswick’s male athlete of the year as well as the N.B. Wheelchair Sports Association athlete of the year. He is also a member of the Fredericton Sports Wall of Fame. Since retiring from active competition, he serves as a role model encouraging others to become involved in wheelchair sports. Enrolled into the New Brunswick Sports Hall of Fame, June 9, 2012
Quick Facts
Competed in 3 Paralympic Games (1992, 1996 and 2000)
Holds 3 Paralympic medals: bronze - Atlanta (1996), two bronze-Barcelona (1992), along with 12 medals (4 golds, 5 silvers, 3 bronze) from 5 other international competitions
Has recorded 3 World Records (Metro Toronto Wheelchair Challenge, Paralympic Trials, World Track & Field Championships)
10 year member of the Canadian Paralympic Team
Member of the Fredericton Sports Wall of Fame
Recipient of Sport New Brunswick’s Male Athlete of the Year in 1996 and 2000