Brian McKeever did what he always does at Paralympics: win medals.

On Wednesday, McKeever won the blind men’s spring cross-country race at the 2022 Beijing Winter Paralympics.

This is his 19th Paralympic medal and also the 15th gold of his career.

McKeever began competing in the Paralympics in 2002 after being diagnosed with Stargardt’s disease, an inherited degenerative condition.

McKeever said the Paralympics meant a lot to him.

“It gives me more opportunities that I might have had through the Olympic dream,” the 42-year-old said.

“It allowed me to make a living as a professional athlete and it took me to the pinnacle of the sport.”

THE PARALYMPIC TRIP WILL END

McKeever’s Paralympic trip will end after Beijing.

On Saturday, he will clinch his 12th consecutive individual race gold medal.

“I might be excited and maybe a little nervous, but it’s just racing,” said McKeever.

GOLDEN TRAVEL

McKeever will also compete in the team relay on Sunday, another opportunity to add to his medal collection.

He will go down in history as the greatest Paralympics ever, not only because of his medals, but because of the longevity of his career.

McKeever says there’s a reason for all of his success.

“Usually, the mind gives up first before the body finishes. In my case I think I have managed to keep my mind fresh many times and I am very proud of that. I thought my body gave up. in front of my head, so that’s kind of cool,” he said with a laugh.

WHAT’S NEXT?

Even as McKeever slides into the sunset, he says he won’t be completely done with the workout.

“I’ll slowly fade away,” he said.

“I’ll probably do a few races in the next year or two, but then move on to a more coaching role… That’s the most likely scenario at the moment.”