(NEXSTAR) - Team USA Para Snowboarder Keith Gabel is competing in his fourth Paralympic Games this month, a return to the world stage that comes just one year after he had to relearn how to walk following surgery. Gabel announced that he plans to retire from the sport at the conclusion of these games. A 16-year veteran of the sport, Gabel was one of the original 17 athletes who helped establish para snowboarding internationally. He has a bronze from the Sochi games and a silver from PyeongChang. He is now focused on representing the disabled community and pursuing a gold medal in his final competitive appearance. "For me, it's the representation, not only just snowboarders in general, but the representation of people with disabilities. I always say it's not what you can't do, it's what you can do," Gabel said. Gabel's return to the Paralympics follows a significant medical recovery. In December 2024, he faced the possibility that surgery would not allow him to return to a professional level. "And this time last year, I was just learning to walk again. So for me to be here and to have made the comeback that I've had, I'm just blown away," Gabel said. He described his decision to retire as a matter of timing following his 16 years of competition. "I've had a wild ride. It's been so much fun and I couldn't be more grateful for what it's turned into, but it's time," Gabel said. The veteran athlete noted that the sport has changed significantly since its inception, with a higher volume of athletes, more varied venues and increased international representation. He pointed to new competitors from countries including Georgia, Lithuania, Brazil and Portugal as evidence of the sport's global expansion. "The representation around the world, different countries. I mean, Georgia is here, Lithuania is here, both for snowboarding and we've got two Brazilian athletes," Gabel said. For his final appearance, Gabel said his primary objective is to secure a gold medal. "I had great results and great success with the surgery, I decided let's see how far we can push it and my eyes are on one thing, the gold" he said. Beyond the competition, Gabel is a pin collector and trader who plans to enjoy the atmosphere of the games. His six-year-old son will also be in attendance to watch him compete live for the first time. Gabel said the recovery process taught him about the importance of self-advocacy and internal strength. "One, trust yourself. Two, there's very few people that you can truly rely on in the world, so be your best advocate and rely on yourself," Gabel said. "You never know how strong you are until you're put into those situations that force you to see what your character is actually made of." Before the start of the games, Gabel expressed appreciation for the support system that has stayed with him throughout his career. "Thank you all for the love, the support, for believing in me and for being on this journey with me," Gabel said. "I'm surrounded by people that I love and that love me and understand." All facts in this report were gathered by journalists employed by Nexstar. Artificial intelligence tools were used to reformat from a broadcast script into a news article for our website. This report was edited and fact-checked by Nexstar staff before being published.