Natalie Wilkie, the accomplished para nordic skier from Canada, is set to take on a prominent role at the upcoming Milan Cortina Paralympic Games, having been named one of the nation’s flag bearers. The 25-year-old, a three-time gold medalist, reflects on her journey from a young athlete navigating the challenges of disability to a seasoned competitor poised to inspire others.
A Journey of Triumph and Community
When Wilkie received the news of her place on Canada’s Paralympic team, it was a moment filled with both excitement and nostalgia. “They described me as a veteran,” she recalled with a laugh, realising that this would mark her third appearance at the Paralympics. “It kind of hit me, ‘Oh, I am a veteran.’ This is my third Paralympics, and I know not everyone gets that opportunity.”
Alongside her, hockey captain Tyler McGregor will also carry the flag, an honour that Wilkie cherishes deeply. “I am incredibly honoured to, one, have been nominated, and two, be chosen,” she remarked.
Wilkie’s journey has not been without its hurdles. After losing four fingers in a wood shop accident at 15, she faced significant challenges, including body image issues, anxiety, and a struggle to accept her new reality. However, she discovered a silver lining in the Paralympics: “It was something good that happened to me because of my disability, not despite it.”
The Power of Belonging
Wilkie’s first experience at the Paralympics came at the tender age of 17. She approached the Games without expectations, focused instead on the experience of being among the world’s elite athletes and the camaraderie of the Paralympic village.
“I was very wide-eyed, didn’t really know what I was doing,” she admitted. “What surprised me most was the sense of belonging. It was really freeing to be able to go to the Paralympics and kind of realise that everyone around me is also here because of their disabilities.”
This profound sense of community has motivated her to embrace a leadership role within the Canadian team, which features a mix of seasoned athletes and eager newcomers. With eight of the 15 members of the Nordic team making their Paralympic debut, Wilkie is well aware of the importance of her experience. “I’m in a position to lead the team because I do have those experiences,” she explained, emphasising the excitement that fresh faces bring to the Games.
Preparing for Success
As the Milan Cortina Games approach, Wilkie is keenly focused on her preparation. Having competed in two World Cup seasons leading up to the event without securing a gold, she understands the importance of timing her peak performance. “Peaking means that your body is at the best of its ability at that time,” she noted. “It’s about making sure you’re in your best form for a specific event.”
Her training regimen involves balancing sport with personal interests, including her love for horse riding, which she developed growing up on a farm in Salmon Arm, British Columbia. “I live in Canmore now, but I make a point of going out to visit my family a couple of times a year,” she shared.
Wilkie is also the reigning leader in multiple events for the 2025 Para Biathlon World Championships, a discipline she embraced after being introduced to shooting by friends. “The learning curve was steep,” she said, reflecting on the complexities of combining cross-country skiing with rifle shooting.
The Importance of Representation
As a visible figure in para sports, Wilkie is passionate about raising awareness and representation for athletes with disabilities. “Disability coverage and representation are really important for young people,” she stated. “When I had my accident, I had no idea what the Paralympics even were, which I’m kind of embarrassed to admit now.”
With her participation in the Games, she hopes to inspire others and draw attention to the excitement and competitiveness of para sports.
Why it Matters
Natalie Wilkie’s journey from a young athlete grappling with disability to a celebrated competitor and flag bearer at the Paralympics exemplifies resilience and leadership. Her story not only highlights the importance of community for athletes with disabilities but also underscores the need for greater visibility and representation in sports. As she prepares to shine on the international stage in Milan Cortina, Wilkie embodies the spirit of perseverance and inclusivity that the Paralympics strive to promote.
