Page 7 - Tom Stephen News Today : Breaking News, Live Updates & Top Stories | Vimarsana

Paralympic and Olympic veterans lead new generation of Canadian Nordic athletes on world stage   CANMORE, Alta.—Canada’s cross-country ski athletes are charging into the highly-anticipated Paralympic and Olympic year replete with a mix of veteran leadership and podium potential along with youthful energy and drive. Nordiq Canada officially kicked off the critical 2022 season by naming a determined line up of 26 athletes who will lead the Canadian charge to qualify for Beijing while donning the maple leaf at international competitions next winter. “We have assembled a unique group of at...

McKeever, a visually-impaired skier, hasn’t been able to race yet this winter.  The COVID-19 pandemic wiped out the world para-nordic championship that would have opened this week in Norway, as well as all but two World Cups still on the calendar in March. So the 20-time world champion helps out in the wax truck as Canada’s top skiers under the age of 23 race in their lone international event this winter. “We’re in the wax room all the time as athletes, but we’re not really in it,” McKeever said. “It’s seeing a different side of the same coin.

Donna Spencer Canadian Cross-Country Ski Team member Brian McKeever skis up a hill during early season training in Canmore, Alta., Monday, Oct. 19, 2020. McKeever, a 13-time Paralympic champion, is testing wax for young Canadian racers at this week's world junior and under-23 championship in Vuokatti, Finland. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh February 12, 2021 - 8:39 AM One of Canada's most decorated cross-country skiers is doing grunt work for the next generation in his sport. Brian McKeever, a 13-time Paralympic champion, is testing wax for young Canadian racers ...