Seven gold medals mark world championship success for Nova Scotia Health employee

As O Canada echoed across Lake Banook, Stephanie Murphy stood proudly on the podium to scoop up no less than 7 gold medals at the International Canoe Federation (ICF) Masters World Championships in Dartmouth last month.

It’s a moment the senior recruitment consultant on the People Services team at Nova Scotia Health won’t ever forget.  Representing the Senobe Masters at the June 25-27 event, Murphy won two gold medals in the C-1, or solo canoe category, four gold in C-2, or two-person canoe event, and another gold in the mixed C-4, or four-person canoe race. Held over three days, the race lengths ranged from 200 to 500 metres.

"It was really exciting to be part of my first international competition," Murphy said. "I was obviously very happy with my results."

Although Murphy has competed since childhood, this was her first international competition. Women's canoe was only recognized at the international level in 2009, after she had already retired from elite competition. This year's Masters Championships also marked the first time women's canoe events were included, making the experience especially meaningful.

"It was amazing to get on the podium and stand there while the national anthem played," she said.

The victories were even more poignant with her family on hand. Murphy’s father, who also grew up paddling, watched proudly from the shore, while her five-year-old twin daughters enthusiastically cheered her on throughout the races.

Her daughters were most interested in the stuffed geese presented to podium finishers than the gold medals.

"Every time I came back, they asked, 'Where's the goose?'" she said with a laugh.

Murphy has spent the past 12 years helping build strong recruitment teams in her role at Nova Scotia Health. She believes the teamwork, leadership and determination developed through competitive sport are qualities she brings to her role every day.

"I've always tried to be the best teammate I can be," she said. "Being a leader, supporting others and sharing my knowledge are things that carry over from sport into my work."

Murphy's next competition is the Canadian National Championships in Ottawa later this summer, with next year's ICF Masters World Championships in Bulgaria already on her radar.

Photos of (1) Stephanie Murphy C1 500 meters first place (right) with Team Canada teammate Hillary Hall (left, second place) (2) Stephanie Murphy with C2 teammate Doug Ellery (C2 200 meter and 500 meter first place) (3) Stephanie Murphy with C4 teammates Hillary Hall, Barry MacPhail, Stephanie Murphy and Doug Ellery.