March 03, 2015 – The Swedish long distance ski team Team Coop is preparing for Ski Classics Event #7 and will be joined at the historic Vasaloppet by the Canadian nine-time Paralympic Gold medalist, Brian McKeever.

Brian McKeever (Can) in Team Coop garb. © Team Coop

McKeever took 3 gold medals in the 2014 Sochi Olympics. He began skiing at the age of three and started competing at thirteen. At 19 he began losing his vision due to Stargardt´s disease.

In 2010, McKeever became the first Canadian athlete to be named to both Paralympic and Olympic teams. At the 2010 Winter Olympics, he was going to compete in the men’s 50km cross-country race, however Canada’s coach decided to replace him with a skier who did well at an earlier event at the 2010 games and thus he did not become the first athlete in the world to compete in the Winter Paralympics and Winter Olympics in the same year

“When Brian asked me about the possibilities to start for us in Vasaloppet, it was an easy decision. Brian is a friendly person and we will do our best to help him to a good result in Vasaloppet. And we are also happy to promote the paralympic athletes, they are real heroes!” said Team Director Oskar Svärd

“I’m so excited to be a part of Team Coop for the Vasaloppet this year!  Having the support of one of the most experienced teams in the Swix Ski Classics is a dream opportunity.  I first saw the Vasaloppet in a video when I was 14 years old and ever since, it has been one of my favourite races to compete and watch.  Now to race with Team Coop is like another level!  I hope to represent the team as well as I can and hopefully increase the profile of Paralympic skiing in the process.  Thank you to Team Coop and all the partners for the amazing support!” said McKeever.

Follow Team Coop on www.teamcoop.se and on the teams Facebook