Erik
Carleton

Sochi 2014 double gold medallist Erik Carleton joined Canada’s para-nordic skiing squad in 2011. That year he helped his childhood friend Brian McKeever win three gold medals at the IPC Para-Nordic World Championships. Two years later, they successfully defended their world crowns in the 20 kilometre freestyle and sprint classic. At his first Paralympic Games in 2014, Carleton guided McKeever to two of his three gold medals in Sochi. A talented junior skier, Carleton was a member of Canada’s national development team from 1996 to 2004.

As Brian McKeever commented on the role of the guide, “I don’t think the guides get nearly as much recognition as they should,” said McKeever following his 20 km win at the worlds in 2013. “It is tough being the guide because you are out front and not skiing your own race. He needs to be out front and controlling the pace. When I need him to hold off he has to, and when I need him to increase the pace he needs to do that as well.”

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS

Two-time gold medallist at the Sochi 2014 Paralympic Games as a guide for Brian McKeever…Three-time world champion in 2011 (as a guide for Brian McKeever)… Gold at 2010 Canadian Birkebeiner (as an individual competitor).

PERSONAL

GETTING INTO THE SPORT: His parents took him to Banff National Park as a youngster to cross-country ski…Inspired by the 1988 Calgary Olympics where he attended some cross country races and met stars in the sport… By age 12 he was following a year-round training program with the Foothills Nordic Ski Club.

ODDS AND ENDS: Completed Bachelor of Science in computer science in 2000 at the University of Calgary… Works as a database administrator for a web marketing firm.