Canada Names Paralympic Flag-Bearers for 2026 Games

Two champions from different sports will unite to lead Canada into the 2026 Winter Paralympics, proving that excellence comes in many forms.

Hockey captain Tyler McGregor and Para nordic skier Natalie Wilkie were named Canada's flag-bearers for the Milano-Cortina opening ceremony on March 6. The announcement came Friday from the Canadian Paralympic Committee, honoring two athletes whose careers embody resilience and achievement.

McGregor, 31, from Forest, Ontario, heads to his fourth Paralympic Games with three medals already on his shelf: silver from 2018 and 2022, plus bronze from 2014. In May 2025, he captained Canada to silver at the World Para Hockey Championship, and a year before that, led the team to their first world title in seven years with a thrilling 2-1 victory over the United States.

Wilkie's reaction to the news captures the joy of the moment perfectly. "I almost leapt out of my chair," the 25-year-old from Salmon Arm, British Columbia told CBC Sports. She heads to her third Winter Games as a triple Paralympic champion carrying seven total medals.

Off the ice, McGregor serves on the Canadian Paralympic Athletes' Council, co-chairs the Own the Podium athlete advisory committee, and sits on the Make-A-Wish Canada board. He's also spent 14 years as a keynote speaker, sharing his story of perseverance with audiences across the country.

Why This Inspires

McGregor describes Canada's 50-athlete Paralympic team as resilient, united, and courageous. "We're people who, time and time again, show an enormous amount of courage," he said, emphasizing that the Paralympics showcase not just world-class athletes but extraordinary people.

Wilkie brings a refreshing perspective on success that goes beyond medals. "Success to me is not just the medals," she explained, crediting her coach Brian McKeever for focusing the team on process-based goals rather than results. This approach has shaped a team culture where growth matters as much as gold.

The flag-bearers won't lead a traditional parade at Verona Arena since no Canadian athletes will attend the ceremony in person. The arena sits at least two hours from the Paralympic villages, and most athletes compete the day after opening ceremonies. Instead, McGregor and Wilkie will be filmed at their separate villages, still carrying the honor of representing their country.

Wilkie's family plans to make the journey to Italy, with her mom and two sisters expected to cheer from the stands as she competes.

Together, these two athletes represent what makes Paralympic sports so powerful: dedication that transforms challenges into championships and inspires an entire nation along the way.