It’s pretty easy to watch the Olympics and get caught up in all the excitement – and so we should! It’s a time of celebration and recognition of the world’s best. There are so many incredible stories of athletes that may or may not be from your home country, that may or may not have been expected to do well, and that may or may not be winners of Olympic medals.
In my career I was lucky enough to compete at two Olympics, one in which I achieved my life-long dream to win a medal and one in which I got the motivation I needed to achieve that dream. The Vancouver Olympics for me brought back some memories of Salt Lake City but probably not in the way you’d think. I finished 10th in my event in 2002 and looking back now, I’m reasonably pleased with that performance when put in to the context of where I was in my career, but at the time it was somewhat less than I had hoped for. In fact, for a while I was really down about it.
As it turned out, that experience became a very powerful motivation for me in my athletic career and therefore a valuable part of the journey. At the same time I can remember what it felt like and I know there are athletes feeling that same pit in the stomach now having just returned from Vancouver or Whistler. These athletes have dedicated years and years of their lives for one moment and the possibility of having a bad day at the worst possible time is a very harsh reality of Olympic sport.
Not performing up to your own expectations is one thing, not even getting your chance is another. The last couple of days have been pretty tough on Brian McKeever. After a long and drawn out selection process it looked like Brian would actually do what no winter athlete had done before which is to represent their nation in both the Olympic and Paralympic Games. But as we saw in the men’s 50 kilometer cross-country ski race, the last event of the Winter Olympic program, Brian’s coach ultimately decided to go with four of his teammates who admittedly had been having all-time Canadian best performances at these Games.
Like so many people, I’m a huge fan of Brian’s, as an athlete but maybe even more so as a person. And not surprisingly in the hours leading up to the race I had heard a lot of very heart-felt sentiment supporting Brian, some going so far as to say that the decision was wrong and should have been reversed. But what we have to remember is what was so extraordinary about this story. Brian, a legally blind skier with a condition that leaves him with only peripheral vision, had legitimately earned a spot. This was never a story about giving a blind guy a break and to have done so would change what was truly exciting about it in the first place.
Amateur sport is neither a charity nor a popularity contest. Every one of the athletes competing at the Olympics were there for good reason and the men’s cross-country team is one of the real bright spots for Canada for future winter Games. It’s the coach’s job to enter the best team in each event and if he believes it should be others instead of Brian then it’s a real shame but who are we to question it? I’m sure Brian is heartbroken but he’d also be the first to tell you he neither needs nor expects any special treatment.
I’ve come across more than a few writers talking about how some of the great stories of these Games were found off the podium and for me seeing Brian interviewed in the wake of that decision was an extremely powerful moment. It was an absolutely heartbreaking decision for many people and for none more so than Brian himself but in that moment when anyone in his situation would be filled with hurt and resentment, struggling to understand what had happened, Brian McKeever showed and immense amount of character. He said he definitely respected the decision and acknowledged that the other guys had been racing extremely well. And then he talked about coming to the Olympics to have great performances. He didn’t say it in as many words but Brian McKeever doesn’t rely on favours – he has earned everything he has achieved. You don’t win NorAm races or Paralympic medals unless you are, quite simply, very good at what you do.
He didn’t say it in as many words but Brian McKeever doesn’t rely on favours – he has earned everything he has achieved. You don’t win NorAm races or Paralympic medals unless you are, quite simply, very good at what you do.
When the commentator asked him if he thought they could have informed him earlier, giving him a chance to place blame or show his anger, he wouldn’t bite. Instead he talked about the Paralympic Games and how he’d be in the thick of some very important races in only a few weeks and how he was planning on being at his best. It struck me then that Brian was doing again what he had done all his life – having no time for self-pity. Although I’ve never met his Dad, I understand that he’s not one to have a son moping around the house for any reason, let alone a degenerative eye condition that he himself shares. It is a character trait that undoubtedly served Brian well as an athlete. It was a terrible situation he found himself in a few days ago but it’s only in our most challenging moments that we really show what we’re made of – and Brian did just that.
We’ll be watching on the 15th. Go Brian!
I agree. What occurred with Brian was definitely unfortunate
but the action was completely necessary. Had the Canada coach slotted him in the race out of pity then it would undoubtedly erase the remarkableness of what the athlete had achieved in the first place. This showed more respect to him then letting him race. Congrats to Brian for showing some true character!
I look forward to watching him compete in a few weeks time!
How common is it for athletes to qualify for both the Olympic and Paralympic Games? If an athlete has sufficient ability to compete in the Olympic Games, might some people suggest that he or she would have an unfair advantage over Paralympians who are not equally abled?
It’s not common at all. As was stated in the post, it hasn’t happened at all in the Winter Olympics and has only happened a few times in the Summer Games. One that I heard of recently was a South African swimmer by the name of Natalie du Toit who has several Paralympic medals and also qualified for the Beijing Olympics (able-bodied, 16th place in the 10 kilometer swim). In terms of fairness, you can’t argue her eligibility for either team. She’s good enough to qualify for the Olympics and she’s a single leg amputee. You can’t disqualify someone for being good.
Thanks for the article Duff! I didn’t see enough of the Olympic Games, but I did see Brian’s interview and I certainly agree with you: He was so classy and genuine – you could still see the emotion. I’ve known Brian since I had the pleasure of being roommates with him, and his brother and guide Robin, at the 2002 Paralmypics in Salt Lake City. Brian is an awesome athlete and I hope that people take him up on his invitation to watch us all compete at the Paralympics in a few days!
If you come out and watch the Paralympics you will see what a high level these athletes compete at. Brian has to go full speed to win his races.
Excellent post, I enjoyed reading it.
I still question the decision however, because the coach appeared to unfairly favor the 4 members of the current world cup roster, with whom he likely has a much closer personal relationship with. He seemed to suggest Brian wasn’t close to their level, and said the decision to sit him was a ‘no-brainer’. I don’t believe that to be the case, especially given the fatigue factor of the other racers entering the final event.
We’ll never know how Brian would have performed. It is possible he would have scored a top 20-25 finish.
I hope Brian and the canadian xc team have continued success moving forward.
Good on Brian for not raising a fuss and keeping things positive. Someone had to sit out and it would have been a disappointment to any one of the athletes. I am awed by his accomplishments ~ he puts some of us (me for sure) to shame. GO BRIAN GO!!
I was upset at the decision originally. I thought that Brians legs would have been fresher ( he had not skied) and that maybe he would have a good finish in the 50 km , but we will never know now. I understand the dilemma that the coaches had in making such a tough decision. Being the mom of son with unique abilities (he has cerebral palsy) I cannot be unbiased in this case. I would have loved to see Brian ski in the Olympics, but I will see him ski in the Paralympics and I am rooting for him all the way. Instead of placing blame, I am looking forward to seeing Brian ski in 2014 in Sochi…..and I hope that on the world cup circuit Brian continues to experience success.
If I were Brian I would have prefered not to be brought to the games than get there and be told I wasn’t going to get the chance to race at the last minute,he must have proved he could race with other Olympians as there is a qualifying method therefore I think he should have been given a chance or not invited at all. I hope there is a different coach for the Paralympics so we get a chance to see what Brian can do. Good Luck on the 15th
Brian is a remarkable athlete and I look forward to seeing him compete with Robin in the 2010 Paralympics. I’m sorry that I, and the rest of the world, didn’t get to see him compete in the 2010 Olympics. That would have made quite a story, but such is life.
Brian comes from a remarkable family too. I know because I was their next door neighbour. His parents taught me how to cross country ski when I was a youth and would take me out with them almost every winter weekend.
Sports have always been a huge part of the McKeever family’s life. Their strong morals and dedication have made them all excel.
Good Luck Brian
Great article, thank you for keeping it positive. I was disappointed not to get to see him race but have to trust that the coach did what he thought was right. And because of Brian I will definitely be watching the paralympics.
Nice Post. Gets me thinking about respect and equality of oportunities for everyone.
That’s why I love the olympics.
Saludos desde México!
Brian your story has been uplifting and showing that no matter the distance or obstacles that one has to face in life and with others making decisions that change a person goals. you show each and everyone of us that goals can be upset and that we can get back up and make new ones. Children will indeed learn from you that there is changelles in life and it is all in how we want to respond to them that will reflect are true happiness for that goal that we intend to reach. You are a true and remarkable person that is indeed needed as a role model for our children. Wishing you the best on the 15th and reaching all your goals that you are setting for yourself. Proud that we share the same mind set. GO BRIAN GO… GO CANADA GO.
Your Cherished Friend,
Tammy
I enjoyed the post.I was a little sad in the first instance, but then the more I thought about it I realized the coach made the right decision for the good of the team and for the country.I am very proud of our athletes and truly proud of their accomplishments.I am very sure that Brian will be rewarded for his endeavours in the next few weeks.GO BRIAN GO!!
This is a nice summary of what happened. I agree that the right decision was made as George, Devon, Ivan, and Alex were all in good form and deserved a slot.
What I think the deeper issue is that the FIS and IOC don’t allow the host country any extra spots in the 50km. Canada only had 4 spots but if it was a World Cup event they would have been able to have more starters.
Here’s hoping that we can see the paralympic ski races live on TV this time around because of the attention drawn to Brian.
Very inspiring story…
Brian has worked so hard for years trying to make something of himself. I’m sure throughout those times of training he developed a sense of “honor” and character in him. The Olympics is just one event; he wouldn’t be giving up that “honor” for another honor – to participate in the Olympics for his country, unless he has really earned it. I’m sure he knows which honor is true. And all that humility and understanding is what virtue is made of. Yeah… it’s a tragedy he wasn’t given the chance. He didn’t want to just “be given” the chance anyway… he wanted to “earn it,” and that’s what makes his story inspiring and bold in some way. Few words… but his reaction speaks of his character that years of living and training have forged. I really admire him as a person.
Lookin’ forward to see you in action Brian!!
Well put. As heartbreaking as it obviously was for Brian McKeever to be told that he wasn’t getting his chance, it would have detracted from his hard work if he was given the race as a favour. Mr. McKeever trained hard and earned a chance to race, but so did the other athletes. I’m sure that no one wants a spot on the team based on special considerations. Mr. McKeever handled the situation with the grace of an Olympian and I look forward to seeing him compete in the Paralympics.
It was upsetting not to see Brian in the mix, but we can still watch for him in the Paralympics…I couldn’t say it better my self Kerri. He’s a true Olympian, a true athlete, and by the sounds of it, a true gentleman. Way to go Brian! Knowing a person who dedicates himself to his son’s training (Darcy Walsh – paralympics – greece), also legally blind, it would be heartbreaking to miss your chance after all the training you put into something, but as you said yourself, all athletes train just as hard and someone’s going to miss the cut…maybe not always, but sometimes. You have the best outlook on things and don’t ever change. Will be watching for you! Good luck
I’m very glad that Brian was given the opportunity to be part of the team for the Olympics. As with many sports at the games there are alternates on cross-country teams. Brian faced a similar situation to the ones faced by alternates on the curling, speed skating and other teams. The coach has to choose the athletes they think have the best chances under the given circumstances. The fact that Brian qualified for the Olympics this time is exciting! That we get a chance to watch him ski in the Paralympics gives us all (including Brian) another chance to cheer!
Does anybody know if Brian is skiing any other days? There are cross country events for the visually impaired on the 15th, 18th and 21st.
I am hoping to see him ski on the 21st.
I Felt very proud of Brian for even qualifying for the able-bodied (normal) what every you want to call them Olympics. I am proud of all the athletes from Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, the World!! They all deserve medals just for getting there!
I was Heart broken over the fact that Brian did not get to race! He raced well enough to qualify he should have gotten the chance to race.
His interview shows the humility that all athletes and people around the world should show to each other.
Good Luck Brian at the Paralympic Games, I hope you do well. Do your best, race well and cleanly that is all I ask of you and all the other athletes!
I think Brian will be racing both cross country and biathalon in the Para Olypmics
I was sad he was not one tof the 4 chosen BUT our team did very well that day.
I was inspired by Brian’s story, and humbled by his professionalism in dealing with the letdown of not being selected for the final four. I was also very sorry for Brian in how the majority of the Canadian media had hyped up his story leading up to the 28th, and how CTV (well, Brian Williams primarily) kept referring to how the media was never told of the possibility that Brian would not be picked in the final coaches’ selection on the 27th. This speaks more to the lack of preparation by such members of the media rather than the coaches, the COC, or the athletes. If you search for it, you’ll even find an editorial blog on the New York Times from Feb 13th that specifically says “The coaches will decide which skiers compete in Vancouver…”, showing that at least some reporters still do their research and understand the sport.
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I agree I think Brian is a real class act. I’m looking forward to seeing him really kick butt at the Paralympics.