Keith

Gabel

Quick Facts

• Son of J. Keith Gabel and Theresa Martin. Has four siblings: Shanda, Brittany, Branden and Maranda. Married to Heather Short.

• Introduced to snowboarding in 2000 and he quickly developed a love for the sport.

• In June 2005, Gabel was involved in an industrial accident that crushed his left foot

• Following four blood transfusions, 26 hyperbaric treatments and a blood clot in his left lung, the doctors told Gabel that he would most likely watch his foot die

• Due to complications and lack of technology at the time, he made the decision to amputate his leg just below the knee two weeks later

• Returned to his snowboard three months later.

• Found out about competitive para snowboarding during the 2010-11 season, his sixth season riding with an amputation.

• Hobbies include hiking, fishing, mountain biking, swimming, cliff diving, camping, baking, playing and writing music and hanging out with his dog.

• Hidden talents include juggling and mimicking various animal sounds

• Was a drummer in his high school bagpipe corps.

Paralympic Experience

• 3-time Paralympian; 2-time Paralympic medalist (1 silver, 1 bronze)
• Paralympic Games Beijing 2022, 7th (Banked Slalom - Lower Limb 2 Impaired - Men, Snowboard Cross - Lower Limb 2 Impaired - Men)
• Paralympic Games Pyeongchang 2018, silver (Snowboard Cross - Lower Limb 2 Impaired - Men), 6th (Banked Slalom - Lower Limb 2 Impaired - Men)
• Paralympic Games Sochi 2014, bronze (Snowboardcross - Standing - Men)

World Championships Experience

• Most recent: 2023 – silver (Snowboard Cross Team Event - Men), 4th (Snowboard Cross - Lower Limb 2 Impaired - Men), 5th (Dual Banked Slalom - Lower Limb 2 Impaired - Men)
• Years of participation: Dual Banked Slalom - Lower Limb 2 Impaired - Men 2023; Snowboard Cross - Lower Limb 2 Impaired - Men 2015, 2017, 2019, 2022, 2023; Snowboard Cross Team Event - Men 2019, 2022, 2023; Banked Slalom - Lower Limb 2 Impaired - Men 2015, 2017, 2019; Snowboardcross - Standing - Men 2012
• Medals: 2 (1 gold, 1 silver)
• Gold – 2019 (Snowboard Cross - Lower Limb 2 Impaired - Men)
• Silver – 2023 (Snowboard Cross Team Event - Men)