QUICK FACTS
Name: Brian McKeever
Sport: Paralympic Cross Country Skiing
Nickname: The Professor – He approaches his sport like a science; constantly analyzes his training program and technique.
Background: Started skiing at 3 years old. Started competing at 13. Started losing his vision at 19. Now has less than 10% of his regular vision.
Medals: 14 Paralympic medals, including seven gold and four World Championships. In 2010, made history by becoming the first Paralympic athlete to make the Canadian Olympic Team.
HOW HE DOES IT
Two factors: preparation and his guide, Erik Carleton. Erik is a longtime friend, National level medalist and fellow competitor in cross country skiing. If he has the chance, Brian will commit a course to memory the day before the race. On race day, Erik skis in front and makes the lines. If something happens – somebody falls, the conditions change or he steps into a new track – he immediately reports in so that Brian can respond and adjust.
TRAINING REGIME
15 – 20 hours a week. Two days of volume, two days of intensity and two to three days of additional training, including time trials and hard interval training.
"THE MINUTE YOU GET COMPLACENT IN TRAINING IS THE MINUTE YOU GET LEFT BEHIND."
– B.McKeever
SPONSOR SUPPORT
"Being a part of Rona's Growing with Athletes Program is a great way to allow athletes to focus on training. Having the backing of a strong Canadian company gives me more flexibility to focus on what I need to do and not worry as much about the financial stress. They are fantastic supporters, and it is a real pleasure to work with their staff."
WHAT KEEPS HIM GOING
The unwavering conviction that he can always be better.
"I NEVER LET MY NERVES GET IN THE WAY OF A GOOD PERFORMANCE." – B.McKeever
GETTING INVOLVED IN PARASPORT
- Click here to explore the Image Bank for photos of Brian McKeever in action!
- Interested in getting involved in Para-Nordic Skiing (Cross Country and Biathlon)? Click here to visit the website of the National Sport Organization for Para-Nordic Skiing, Cross Country Canada, to get involved as an athlete, coach, guide or volunteer!
