March 05, 2010 (Whistler, BC) – A few thoughts that cannot escape me… Brian McKeever did not race in the men’s 50km classic event. He was poised to make winter sports history by competing at the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games, and Paralympic Winter Games, yet he was not selected to be part of the four-man squad named to the 50km race.

McKeever said he was devastated, although he understood the decision made by the team’s coaching staff. “The decision’s been made, it’s out of my hands. I respect the decision, but I don’t have to be happy about it.”

“Our boys are very fast and they deserve everything they’ve achieved,” said the 30 year-old McKeever who has Stargardt disease, a genetic condition that affects central vision. He has lost 90% of his vision and the 10% remaining is all peripheral.

On his Twitter account, McKeever writes, “…the Olympic dream is over. I don’t think I have ever been so sad.” It tugged at your heartstrings. Understanding with pure class and grace. Go get ’em at Paras – we are all with you!

Another moment that I will never forget is the story of Slovenian Nordic skier Petra Majdic which will become the stuff of legend. Our announce team was watching the TV monitors during the warm ups, camera men were focusing their shots for the upcoming women’s sprint races when suddenly in unison our eyes caught the image of a skier clad in white, falling off the trail like a rag doll and sliding at least three meters down into a pile of rocks. It was Majdic, a medal favorite – she was down.

Officials rushed to her and assessed the situation and she was clearly in pain, but clearly determined that she would still race. She got up and walked gingerly away, while clutching her rib cage. The race – the 1.4km sprint – was just minutes away.

Never have I witnessed this level of courage on the race course. Majdic, kept advancing, each time, collapsing at the finish line in more in pain after each bracket, lying in a heap of pain and heartache. She made it into the finals, and went on to win a bronze medal.

Seconds following her third place finish she collapsed, and was still on the ground for what seemed like five minutes. Her coaches finally ran over to hear and picked her up and carried this champion away – she went directly to hospital.

What was found after x-rays… five broken ribs and a small puncture in one of her lungs. Can you imagine the pain and agony she skied the sprints in? For me, it’s almost unfathomable. I could see her holding her ribs, and see her grimace as many of us held our breath. This gutsy skier, from a country of all of two million people, showed the world what fighting for your dream, for your country, is all about. Her first words across the finishing line were, “If I can do it, the whole of Slovenia can do it.”

Later she said, “…and when you’re on your knees and you get up you’re still fighting hard – it’s true you can still fight. We’re maybe on our knees (in reference to the global monetary crisis) but we can still fight and maybe win in the end.” Everyone in the stadium saw a display of raw courage and honesty, and that will stay with them for the rest of their lives.

I was also struck by the beauty and grace of the volunteers who did their jobs smiling as they represented the purity of Olympic ideals. I shared breakfast and lunch each day with them and made many friends. It was great to see so many dedicated Nordic staff and volunteers that worked so very hard – you should all be very proud. There were visiting kings and queens at the venue along with the best skiers in the world, and most important, the warm friendships and camaraderie that makes our sport something unique.

Let’s embrace each other for all the good things, the emotional things, the physical achievement, and even our tears. It’s what makes us human, and the sport has always had that quality, and always will. Thanks for the many people kind enough to tell me, “Thanks for your announcing, your writing.” – please know that the pleasure is all mine.

It was great to see old friends and meet new ones while sharing the trenches at the Games, making fast friends and powerful connections. This was the eighth Olympic Games that I have attended and I am honored to have shared this experience with people and a sport that I love.

I’m off to the Paragames soon so stay tuned for more coverage.

Thank You Canada!