Canadian skier Brian McKeever to make history at Olympics and Paralympics

Skier to make history at Olympics, Paralympics

CANMORE, Alberta — A visually impaired cross-country skier at the Vancouver Games will become the first winter sports athlete to compete in both the Olympics and Paralympics.

Brian McKeever was selected for the Canadian team on Friday.

He’s won seven Paralympic medals, including four gold, with his brother Robin as his guide.

McKeever has Stargardt’s disease, an inherited condition of macular degeneration. His vision is less than 10 percent and peripheral.

Five athletes have competed in both Paralympics and Olympics, all during the Summer Games.

The 30-year-old skier won a 50-kilometer race last month on his home course to meet the Olympic team criteria.