Former Para alpine skier Mac Marcoux has been appointed as the honorary captain of Canada’s Paralympic team for the upcoming Milan-Cortina Games, as revealed by the Canadian Paralympic Committee (CPC) on Wednesday. Alongside Marcoux, five competing athletes have been selected as co-captains to serve as key representatives and spokespersons for the Canadian Paralympic Team. In a departure from previous traditions, these new roles aim to highlight the significant leadership contributions of athletes during the Games.
The leadership team comprises wheelchair curler Ina Forrest, hockey player Tyler McGregor, nordic skier Brittany Hudak, snowboarder Tyler Turner, and alpine skier Alexis Guimond. According to the CPC, these athletes will play a crucial role in sharing their teammates’ narratives and connecting with fans and supporters throughout the event. Catherine Gosselin-Despres, the Chief Sport Officer of the Canadian Paralympic Committee, emphasized the wealth of experience and dedication these individuals bring to the team, highlighting Marcoux’s exceptional leadership qualities stemming from his successful career in Para sport.
Marcoux, a 28-year-old native of Sault Ste. Marie, Ont., boasts a remarkable Paralympic record, clinching six medals across his appearances at Sochi 2014, PyeongChang 2018, and Beijing 2022 before retiring in February 2024. As the honorary captain, Marcoux will collaborate with the co-captains to foster team cohesion and amplify the stories of Canada’s Paralympians to engage audiences and fans worldwide.
Expressing his excitement about his new role, Marcoux stated, “I am absolutely thrilled to be the honorary captain of the Milano Cortina 2026 Canadian Paralympic Team. Competing alongside my teammates was a career highlight, and I look forward to continuing to support the team and share their stories with a broader audience across the nation.” The five co-captains, each accomplished in their respective sports, collectively hold a total of 13 Paralympic medals, symbolizing Canada’s strength in Para athletics.
In preparation for her fifth Paralympic appearance, 63-year-old wheelchair curler Ina Forrest, hailing from Spallumcheenhas, B.C., stands out as one of Canada’s most decorated curlers, having secured four Paralympic medals, including consecutive titles at Vancouver 2010 and Sochi 2014. Forrest underscored the unity and camaraderie among athletes at the Paralympics, emphasizing the significance of the co-captain initiative in fostering connections across different sports disciplines.
Tyler McGregor, the captain of Canada’s Para hockey team, expressed his gratitude for being named co-captain, emphasizing the values of excellence, resilience, and unity that define the Canadian Paralympic Team. McGregor, a 31-year-old Forest, Ont., native, with three Paralympic medals to his name, looks forward to representing Canada alongside his exceptional teammates at the global stage.
Alexis Guimond, representing Gatineau, Que., as a Para alpine skier, gears up for his third Paralympic Games, showcasing consistent performance and earning two bronze Paralympic medals along with numerous accolades in world championships and World Cup events. Guimond views his role as a co-captain as a testament to the years of dedication, hard work, and resilience that have defined his journey in Para sport.
Brittany Hudak, a 32-year-old Prince Albert, Sask., native and member of Canada’s Para nordic team for over a decade, expresses her pride in being named a co-captain, highlighting the responsibilities of leadership and upholding team values that this role entails. Hudak, a three-time Paralympic bronze medalist, looks forward to showcasing her skills on the world stage alongside her inspiring teammates.
At 37, Tyler Turner made history in Para snowboarding by securing Canada’s first-ever gold medal in his debut Paralympic appearance four years ago, in addition to a bronze medal. Hailing from Campbell River, B.C., Turner, the reigning snowboard cross world champion in his category, emphasizes his commitment to representing the team with pride and serving as a strong advocate for Para sport.
The Milan-Cortina Paralympic Games, scheduled from March 6-15, will witness athletes competing in various disciplines such as alpine skiing, hockey, snowboarding, wheelchair curling, and nordic skiing, including biathlon and cross-country. The official announcement of the Canadian athletes participating in the Games is expected to occur between November and February.