FasterSkier coverage of US Nationals is <sponsored by Atomic skis.
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The integration if disabled skiers into the “regular” US National Cross-Country Championships proved again to be an eye-opener for many skiers, coaches and spectators. Especially the 2002 Paralympic Medal winners Steve Cook and Canadian Brian McKeever gave the large field of US National elite skiers an honest look at their amazing abilities.
. In the 10-km Classical and Free Technique races at Rumford, Brian placed near top-30 overall, and beat even US National Ski Team skiers and most Subaru and Rossignol factory Team skiers.</p>
<p>Steve Cook, from Salt Lake City, and quadruple silver medallist at the 2002 Paralympic Games, lost one of his lower legs in an accident several years ago. He now skis with a prosthesis, but still beat over 80 of the very best US National Elite skiers in Tuesday’s 10 km Free Technique race. Steve skis in the STANDING class, which includes skiers that is missing part of an arm or part of a leg.</p>
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