Background

Xavier McKeever is set to become a second-generation Olympian at Milano Cortina 2026, extending his family’s legacy in cross-country skiing. McKeever earned his spot on the Olympic team by winning the men’s sprint free event at the Nordiq Canada 2026 Olympic Winter Games Trials.

As a highly touted prospect, McKeever competed in his first of five FIS Junior World Championships in 2019. In 2020, he won silver in the men’s 4x5km relay alongside Olivier Léveillé, Tom Stephen, and Rémi Drolet. It was Canada’s first ever world championship cross-country skiing relay medal at any level. In 2022, he posted a pair of top six finishes in individual events, the men’s 30km mass start free and men’s 10km classic, as well as a fourth-place finish in the men’s relay.

McKeever debuted at the senior FIS World Championships in 2023 when he was just 19 years old. He was part of back-to-back fifth place finishes in the men’s relay in 2023 and 2025. He and Antoine Cyr finished ninth in the men’s team sprint classic in 2025.

McKeever made his FIS World Cup debut in March 2022. After a few more World Cup appearances in March 2023, McKeever competed in his first full World Cup season in 2023-24. He recorded his career best individual World Cup result in February 2024 when he finished 19^th in the men’s sprint classic on home snow in Canmore.

McKeever’s parents are both Olympians. His mother, Milaine Thériault, competed at Nagano 1998, Salt Lake City 2002, and Turin 2006. His father, Robin McKeever, competed at Nagano 1998 before becoming the guide for his brother, Brian McKeever, who ended his illustrious career with 20 medals at the Paralympic Games. As a toddler, McKeever travelled with his parents to many of the same World Cup venues at which he now represents Canada.

Personal: 

In his spare time, Xavier enjoys hanging out with friends and playing other sports. He enjoys paddle boarding, passing a frisbee, and of course doing his favourite hobby; playing disc golf. Xavier loves travelling and 11 of his 19 birthdays have been celebrated on the road.