The visually impaired cross-country skier Brian McKeever won his 16th gold overall at the Winter Paralympics in Beijing. With just as many victories, the former ski racer Schönfelder was the sole record winner at the Paralympic Winter Games.
records “nice but never my focus”
But the record means to him “to be honest nothing at all”McKeever asserted: “I always just wanted to have fun. Records happen. That’s nice, but that was never my focus.”
At least it doesn’t seem likely that he will outperform the 51-year-old Schönfelder. Sunday’s relay race will be his last start at the Paralympics and he is not considered a gold favorite with Canada.
resignation is certain
“But who knows”said McKeever, laughing: “Other crazy things have happened.” However, he is sticking to his resignation announced before the games. “I’m old and grey. I wake up in pain and go to bed in pain. So it’s about time”he said laughing.
Gerd Schönfelder – German Paralympics icon
Schönfelder had his victories from Albertville 1992 to Vancouver 2010 and retired in 2011. In 2018, the shoulder amputated athlete was the first disabled athlete to be inducted into the German Sports Hall of Fame.
McKeever has won gold at least twice in every game since Salt Lake City 2002. And only in cross-country skiing. In biathlon he only won a bronze medal.
Source: dpa