Para-Nordic great captures eighth career medal

March 15, 2010 (Whistler) – Para-Nordic skier Brian McKeever (Canmore, Alberta) became the first Canadian Paralympic champion on home soil as he captured the Men’s 20km Free, Visually Impaired race with a time of 51:14.7 alongside his guide and brother, Robin, at Whistler Paralympic Park. The gold is McKeever’s fifth of his illustrious career and eighth medal overall.

"This feels absolutely awesome, said Brian. “This has been eight years in the making and the one we wanted. We were inspired by Colette's (Bourgonje) performance yesterday. We wanted her to win gold, but she gave us the inspiration to go out and win today."

McKeever seems to make history every time he puts on skis. In addition to the first Paralympic gold for a Canadian on home soil, the 30-year-old became the first winter athlete to qualify for both the Olympic and Paralympic team.

"That was a lot harder than expected,” expressed Robin. “But we worked extremely hard and got the victory. We haven't been extremely healthy but we had a good pace and Brian skied great. That was a great team effort and I am really proud to be Canadian and to do this in front of all of our friends and family."

Fellow Canadian Alexei Novikov, and guide Jamie Stirling, finished 13th in Monday's race with a time of 1:08.47.6.

Nikolay Polukhin (Russia) was second in 51:55.6 while Vasiki Shaptsiaboi (Belarus) was third in 52:22.5.

“Brian and Robin inspire our country and embody the Paralympic spirit,” said Blair McIntosh, chef de mission, Team Canada. “We have seen numerous outstanding performances already during these Games and now today, we stand together proud of our golden boys.”

Earlier this week, McKeever finished sixth in the Men’s 3km Pursuit and will be competing in four more events at these Games.