“Our strategy was right; Robin led the way, I drafted behind, and when he faded I pulled out to sprint the last 500m of the course”, said Brian McKeever after the race. “It couldn’t have been better.”

In extreme wind conditions, the dynamic Canadian duo headed into the race with a plan. Robin, guiding his younger brother, would cut the wind for Brian to conserve energy. As planned, Robin pulled out to let Brian finish the race alone. As a less severe impairment (B3), the guide is not obligated to complete the race. Double gold medalists in Salt Lake City, this is Brian and Robin McKeever’s third Paralympic Games Gold medal.

Adding to Canada’s glory was Chris Williamson (Markham, ON) and guide Bobby Taylor who won the silver medal in Alpine Downhill, competing on the Kandahar Banchetta course at Sestrière-Bogarta. Completing the course in 1:17.99, the Canadian duo were only 0.77 seconds behind the gold medalists.

"This is a great way to start,” said Chris. “It was a real downhill: good competition and close at the end, a fight to the finish and I'm happy with the result. And I still have four more events to compete for gold!”

CANADIAN RESULTS

Curling In Wheelchair Curling, Team Canada defeated Team Denmark 6-3 in their first game, thanks to a remarkable three points in the fourth end. This victory marked the first ever curling win by Canada at the Paralympic Games, it being a new sport at the games. Led by Skip Chris Daw (London, ON), Canada continued their on the success lane defeated arch rival Team Switzerland 5-1 in the evening draw. Wheelchair curling is played without sweeping and one game is comprised of six ends.

Alpine Skiing

Downhill, Blind M Chris Williamson (Markham, ON) 2 1:17.99 (+0:00.22)

Downhill, Sitting M Brad Lennea (Whistler, BC) 11 1:24.82 (+0:03.79)

Downhill, Sitting M Scott Patterson (Vancouver, BC) 20 1:32.85 (+0:11.85)

Downhill, Sitting M Jeffrey Penner (Kitchener,ON) DNF

Downhill, Sitting W Kimberley Joines (Edmonton, AB) DNF

Cross Country Skiing

5 km Free, Blind M Brian McKeever (Canmore, AB) 1 11:35.1 (+0:00.0)

2.5 km, Sitting W Collette Bourgonje (Saskatoon, SK) 6 9:30.05 (+1:02.6)

2.5 km, Sitting W Shauna Maria Whyte (Hinton, AB) 7 9:48.02 (+1:20.7)

5 km Free, Sitting M Jean-Thomas Boily (Orford, QC) 27 19:02.5 (+3:23.7)

5 km Free, Sitting M Jimmy Pelletier (Val-Bélair, QC) 29 19:24.4 (+3:45.6)

Sledge Hockey

Canada easily defeated Team Italy 12-1 in front of a sell-out crowd. With the win, Team Canada is assured a semi-final birth. Canada will face #1-ranked Norway on Tuesday March 14th. Canada has not allowed a goal since the start of the Tournament.

COMPETING TOMORROW, Mar 13th

Alpine

Matthew Hallat Super G, Standing M 11:00 am

Arly Fogarty Super G, Standing W 11:00 am

Lauren Woolstencroft Super G, Standing W 11:00 am

Curling

CAN vs SWE 11:00 am

CAN vs NOR 4:00 pm

Cross Country Skiing/Biathlon

No competition

Sledge Hockey No competition