Seoul, Korea 10 March 2014
Prime Minister Stephen Harper today issued the following statement congratulating Brian McKeever and guide Erik Carleton on winning Canada’s first gold medal at the 2014 Paralympic Winter Games. Mr. McKeever and Mr. Carleton earned a gold medal competing in the men’s cross-country skiing 20 km classic (visually impaired) event.
“On behalf of all Canadians, I offer my sincere congratulations to Brian McKeever and Erik Carleton on winning Canada’s first gold medal at the 2014 Paralympic Winter Games. I would also like to salute Graham Nishikawa who guided Mr. McKeever during the second leg of today’s race.
“This tremendous achievement demonstrates exceptional skill, effort, teamwork and dedication. The entire country is extremely proud of their performance.”
Brian McKeever was born in Calgary, Alberta, and currently resides in Canmore, Alberta. This is his 11th Paralympic medal in his fourth Paralympic Games, having competed in Salt Lake City in 2002, Turin in 2006 and Vancouver in 2010. Mr. McKeever made history in 2010 when he was named to both the Olympic and Paralympic teams. He has competed in every world championship since 2005 and won nine titles, in addition to 21 World Cup wins.
Erik Carleton was born in Calgary, Alberta, and currently resides in Canmore, Alberta. This is his first Paralympic medal in his first Paralympic Games. He is the guide for Para-Nordic skier Brian McKeever. Mr. Carleton joined Canada’s Para-Nordic squad in 2011. That year, he helped Mr. McKeever win three gold medals at the IPC Para-Nordic World Championships. Two years later, they successfully defended their world titles in the 20 km freestyle and sprint classic.
For more information on individual members of the Canadian Para-Nordic team, please visit http://www.paralympic.ca.
