Paralympics – Day Seven

On Day Seven I was lucky enough to be sent up to Whistler Paralympic Park, nestled in the Callaghan Valley where the Cross-Country Skiing and Biathlon were being held. It was a beautiful day so I went up early to catch some of the action and to just enjoy the view.

First up was the Men’s 10km Classic Standing Race. Athletes leave the starting point at regular intervals and then the athlete that finishes with the best time is the winner. A time adjustment is factored in depending on each athlete’s degree of disability. Some of the athletes’ strength and determination blew me away.

Haitao Du of China is one who amazed me, using just his legs to power himself along.

Here’s Ukrainian Grygorii Vovchynskyi just after finishing and finding he missed the silver medal by a mere 2 seconds.

Yoshihiro Nitta of Japan won gold. Here he is after his flower ceremony (a prelude to the evening’s medal presentation)…..

…and no, these are not Japan’s official photographers – just team mates and crew.

Next was the Men’s 10km Classic Visually Impaired Race with the amazing McKeever brothers. Brian, guided by brother Robin, stormed home to win gold almost 1.5 minutes ahead of silver medallist Helge Flo of Norway. Watching Brian and Robin together is like watching a dance – they are so in sync with every motion – it’s beautiful.

I was able to see the beginning of the Women’s 5km Sitting Race. Sit-skiers with a lower-body disability use a kind of sledge which is a specially built chair attached to a pair of skis. The skis are shorter than standard skis and are attached to the chair with a standard cross-country binding. The strength in these athlete’s upper bodies and arms is incredible. Remember, this is 5km!

As we had a huge break between events, we decided to split the day, so I went home after the Cross-Country while Susannah headed up to Whistler to capture the medal ceremonies in the evening. It was a great day for Canada, taking 3 golds.

Here is Brian McKeever with guide and brother Robin….

Lauren Woolstencroft (Women’s Downhill Standing)….