Canadian para nordic skier Natalie Wilkie is set to take centre stage at the upcoming Milan Cortina Paralympic Games, having been named co-flag bearer alongside para ice hockey captain Tyler McGregor. The announcement marks a significant milestone for the 25-year-old Wilkie, who reflects on her journey from a wide-eyed newcomer at her first Games to a seasoned athlete with a wealth of experience and leadership to offer her teammates.
A Journey of Resilience and Triumph
Wilkie’s journey to this moment has been anything but ordinary. The three-time gold medallist faced life-altering challenges following a wood shop accident at the age of 15, which resulted in the loss of four fingers on her left hand. The incident not only impacted her physically but also led to struggles with body image and self-esteem. However, her perspective shifted dramatically once she entered the Paralympic realm.
“The Paralympics were a silver lining because it was something good that happened to me because of my disability, not despite it,” she shared with the Globe and Mail, highlighting the transformative role the Games have played in her life.
From Rookie to Veteran: Embracing Leadership
As Wilkie prepares for her third Paralympics, she finds herself in a pivotal leadership role within a Canadian team that features a mix of seasoned athletes and enthusiastic newcomers. With eight of the 15 nordic team members set to make their Paralympic debuts, Wilkie’s experience is invaluable. “I’m in a position to lead the team because I do have those experiences,” she asserted, recalling how she learned from the guidance of others during her early years in the sport.
Her leadership extends beyond mere performance; it encompasses everyday actions, such as encouraging team bonding and ensuring that no one forgets their passport. This support system is crucial, as it fosters an environment where athletes can thrive both individually and collectively. Wilkie recalls the impact of her former teammate Emily Young, who took on a maternal role during their time together, setting a precedent for the kind of leader Wilkie aspires to be.
Training for Excellence: Balancing Life and Sport
Wilkie’s path to the Milan Games is anchored in rigorous training, but she also finds solace and balance outside the competitive sphere. Living in Canmore, Alberta, she frequently returns to her roots in Salmon Arm, British Columbia, where her passion for horse riding and animal care helps her decompress from the pressures of elite sport.
As she gears up for the Paralympics, Wilkie is not only focused on her skiing but also on her new venture into para biathlon. This unique sport combines cross-country skiing with rifle shooting, demanding both physical endurance and mental precision. “It’s a steep learning curve,” she confessed, describing the complexities of controlling her heart rate while shooting at race pace. “You could be having a great race and then suddenly everything changes with a missed target.”
The Thrill of the Games: A Community Awaits
Reflecting on her first experience at the Paralympics in Pyeongchang 2018, Wilkie remembers the overwhelming sense of belonging she felt. “It was freeing to realise that everyone around me was also here because of their disabilities,” she noted, underscoring the importance of community within the Paralympic movement.
As she steps into this new chapter, Wilkie hopes to inspire the next generation of athletes. “Disability coverage and representation are really important for young people,” she remarked, revealing that she was completely unaware of the Paralympics before her accident. “I’m kind of embarrassed to admit it now, but it’s just like the Olympics.”
Why it Matters
Wilkie’s journey exemplifies the resilience and spirit of Paralympic athletes as they navigate their challenges and triumphs. Her story is not just about medals and competitions; it is about forging a community that embraces diversity and encourages young athletes to pursue their dreams, irrespective of their disabilities. As she leads Canada into the Milan Cortina Paralympics, her role as a flag bearer transcends symbolism—it represents hope, perseverance, and the power of sport to transform lives.
