Canadian Skier Wins 16 Golds, Now Coaches Team to Glory

For 20 years, Brian McKeever was nearly unstoppable on snow, building a legacy as one of the most decorated Paralympians in history. The visually impaired Canadian skier racked up 16 gold medals, two silver, and two bronze across six Paralympic Winter Games before hanging up his racing skis to coach.

McKeever credits his parents for getting him started young in what he calls "a family sport." That early introduction turned into a remarkable career built on relentless training and smart racing strategy.

His training philosophy was intense. During peak season from May through November, top skiers on his team log 25-hour training weeks, often chasing snow and altitude across continents. In August, that meant traveling to New Zealand to find the right conditions.

The grueling schedule wasn't always glamorous. McKeever admits that staying motivated through harsh weather and exhaustion was his biggest challenge. Unlike recreational skiers who can skip miserable days, elite athletes don't have that luxury.

Racing with a guide skier required seamless teamwork. Because McKeever had some visual function, his communication during races was minimal: quick check-ins about pace and timing. Athletes who are completely blind hear constant verbal cues with every stride, being guided through each step of the course.

Why This Inspires

McKeever's transition from champion to coach shows how legends give back. He's not just teaching technical skills but passing down the mental toughness that made him great: knowing when to push hard on climbs, when to conserve energy, and how to turn fear of competitors into training fuel.

The sport itself has evolved dramatically during his career. When McKeever started, Paralympic skiing attracted people who came from other athletic backgrounds after an accident. Now, athletes are training from childhood specifically for Paralympic competition, making the field deeper and more competitive than ever.

As the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games approach, McKeever is preparing Canada's next wave of Nordic skiers with lessons learned from six Games. His message is simple: stamina builds over years, not overnight, and every training hour counts when you're chasing gold.

The torch has been passed from champion to mentor, ensuring Canadian excellence on snow continues for generations.