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McKeever 1st Paralympian to compete in Winter Olympics

 Visually impaired cross-country skier Brian McKeever is about to make history.

The 30-year-old Canmore, Alta., native has been named to Team Canada, becoming the first Paralympian to compete in a Winter Olympics.

"I think this is a really neat opportunity for all of us," McKeever said in a press conference.

"The Paralympic world is not usually one that builds Olympic athletes, but it was a good opportunity for me ... and I hope it shows that Paralympic athletes are training at the same sort of level as the Olympic athletes, despite their physical disabilities," he continued.

Cross Country Canada announced its roster on Friday, indicating McKeever had joined one of Canada's "most talented teams" of cross-country athletes.

The team includes six men and five women, with 2006 Olympic gold and silver medallists Chandra Crawford and Sara Renner on the roster.

McKeever has had his heart set on qualifying for the 2010 Olympic team since he came 21st at the able-bodied World Championships in 2007.

Tom Holland, high-performance director of Cross Country Canada, said McKeever accomplished his goal when he won the 50-kilometre race at the Canadian trials.

"This is truly one of the most talented Olympic Teams Canada has ever assembled, which is not only a testament to the continued strength and growth of the national program but also demonstrates what an incredible athlete Brian is and the enormity of his accomplishment," he said in a press release.

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