In an inspiring announcement, Natalie Wilkie and Tyler McGregor have been named Canada’s flag bearers for the opening ceremony of the Milan Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games. The surprise revelation, delivered by the Canadian Paralympic Committee (CPC), caught both athletes off guard during what they believed were routine media interviews. The ceremony is set to take place on March 6, and it promises to be a momentous occasion for the duo and their fellow competitors.
A Surprising Announcement
The excitement began when CPC chief sport officer Catherine Gosselin-Despres and honorary captain Mac Marcoux revealed the honour to Wilkie and McGregor. Initially expecting standard interviews, the athletes were taken aback by the news. “It was shocking, I think to both of us,” expressed McGregor, who co-captains the para hockey team. “But we were so pleased to receive that call; it was an exciting time for sure.”
Wilkie, a standout in nordic skiing, admitted that carrying the flag had not crossed her mind amidst her intense preparations for the Games. “This is something that I’ve been dreaming of for a long time. And it’s not something that I ever expected to happen. When I got the news, I was pretty shocked,” she shared.
Gosselin-Despres noted the meticulous planning that went into the surprise announcement, highlighting the joy of selecting flag bearers. “It’s just the best part of what we do,” she remarked. “We couldn’t have better candidates.”
The Ceremony and Competition Locations
The opening ceremony will unfold at the iconic Arena Di Verona, a venue that will also host the Olympics’ closing ceremony. However, since Verona does not serve as a competition venue for the Paralympics, Wilkie and McGregor will carry the flag within their respective athlete villages.
Wilkie will compete in cross-country ski events in Tesero, while McGregor will represent Canada at the Milano Santa Giulia Ice Hockey Arena. Despite their physical separation during the ceremony, both athletes expressed their shared spirit and enthusiasm. “We’re going to make the most of it,” McGregor stated. “It’ll be a different experience, but exciting nonetheless.”
Canada’s Paralympic Ambitions
The Paralympic Games will kick off on March 6, with wheelchair curling tournaments commencing the day before. Canada is sending a robust team of 50 athletes to Milan, eager to improve upon the impressive performance at Beijing 2022, where they secured 25 medals, including eight golds, and finished third in the gold medal tally for the fourth consecutive Winter Games.
Wilkie, now 25 years old, has already established herself as a formidable competitor since her debut at Pyeongchang 2018, where she was the youngest member of Team Canada. She claimed medals of every colour in her first Paralympics and followed up with a four-medal performance in Beijing. “Every day is a new day,” she noted. “I try to take that into my races as well. Just not going in with any expectations because obviously, results are out of our control.”
Wilkie sees herself in a leadership role this year, aiming to mentor younger athletes, much like Canadian Paralympic legend Brian McKeever did for her. “In Pyeongchang, I was the baby of the team. Now, I feel like I can be that person in a lead-by-example mentorship role,” she explained.
McGregor, now a seasoned competitor at 31, is entering his fourth Paralympics. Following a bronze medal in his debut in 2014, the para hockey team has since claimed two silver medals, both against the United States. This year, he hopes to lead the team to a different outcome. “The vibes are high. There’s a lot of belief within this team right now,” McGregor stated confidently.
Looking Ahead
Both athletes are committed to making their mark in Milan while embodying the spirit of Canada. “I’m so proud to be Canadian. I love our country so much,” McGregor reflected. “To have the opportunity to represent Canada at the Paralympic Games, now heading into my fourth Games, this one feels different.”
Why it Matters
The selection of Wilkie and McGregor as flag bearers not only highlights their individual achievements but also underscores Canada’s commitment to excellence in adaptive sports. As they lead the Canadian contingent at the Milan Cortina Paralympic Winter Games, their roles serve to inspire a new generation of athletes, showcasing resilience and determination on a global stage. Their journey is a testament to the power of sports in uniting and uplifting communities, providing a beacon of hope and encouragement for athletes worldwide.
