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 confirmed by the Canadian Paralympic Committee (CPC) on Wednesday. Alongside Marcoux, five active athletes have been designated as co-captains.
These co-captains, including wheelchair curler Ina Forrest, hockey player Tyler McGregor, nordic skier Brittany Hudak, snowboarder Tyler Turner, and alpine skier Alexis Guimond, will serve as key figures representing the Canadian Paralympic Team. This new initiative highlights the significance of athlete leadership at the Games, a departure from the traditional roles of chefs de mission.
Catherine Gosselin-Despres, Chief Sport Officer of the Canadian Paralympic Committee, commended the selected athletes, emphasizing their experience, dedication to Para sport, and leadership qualities. Marcoux, a respected figure in Para sport, brings valuable expertise and enthusiasm to his role as honorary captain.
Marcoux, who hails from Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, boasts a remarkable Paralympic career with six medals across multiple Games before retiring in 2024. Ahead of the Milan-Cortina Games, Marcoux will collaborate with the co-captains to promote team unity and share inspiring stories of Canadian Paralympians with a wider audience.
Expressing his excitement, Marcoux stated, “Competing alongside my teammates was a career highlight, and I look forward to continuing to contribute to the team’s journey and showcasing their stories to Canadians.” The co-captains, with a collective total of 13 Paralympic medals, embody excellence and determination in their respective sports.
In preparation for her fifth Paralympics, Forrest, a highly decorated wheelchair curler from Spallumcheenhas, British Columbia, aims to bring her experience to the team in Italy. McGregor, a three-time Paralympic medalist in Para hockey, highlighted the honor of leading Team Canada and representing the nation on the global stage.
Guimond, set for his third Games, emphasized the weight of representing his team and country at the Paralympics. Hudak, a veteran Para nordic athlete, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to lead by example and uphold team values. Turner, Canada’s first Para snowboarding gold medalist, pledged to be a proud ambassador for Para sport.
The Milan-Cortina Paralympics will showcase athletes competing in various disciplines, including alpine skiing, hockey, snowboarding, wheelchair curling, and nordic skiing. Canada’s official team members for the Games will be announced in the coming months leading up to the event.