By Duncan Mackay in Vancouver

February 27 - Canada's Brian McKeever (pictured) has admitted he is devastated at being denied at last moment the opportunity to become the first athlete to compete in both the Winter Olympics and Paralympics after being left out of the team for the 50 kilometres cross-country race tomorrow.


McKeever, who suffers from Stargardty's disease, has not been included in Canada's team of four skiers.

He said: "The decision's been made, it's out of my hands.

"I respect the decision, but I don't have to be happy with it".

Canadian cross-country ski coaches met late night night and opted for Ivan Babikov, Alex Harvey, George Grey and Devon Kershaw, leaving McKeever to put a brave face on the decision.

He said: "Our boys are very fast and they deserve everything they've got."

McKeever was originally selected after impressing in the Olympic trials, but the performances of Canada's athletes in the 30km pursuit, when four skiers featured in the top 16, changed head coach Inge Braten's mind.

McKeever will now compete in cross-country and biathlon events at the Winter Paralympics which run from March 12 until 21, hoping to add to the four gold medals he won at Turin four years ago.


Related stories
February 2010: McKeever denied opportunity to make history
February 2010: McKeever inspired by grandparents ordeal
January 2010: Canadian skier to become first to compete in Winter Olympics and Paralympics
December 2009: Paralympic champion step closer to qualifying for Olympics
December 2009: Canadian cross-country skier aiming for winter sports history