Former Para skier Marcoux named honorary captain of Canada’s Paralympic team for Milan-Cortina Games

Former Para alpine skier Mac Marcoux has been named the honorary captain of Canada’s Paralympic team for the Milan-Cortina Games, the Canadian Paralympic Committee (CPC) announced Wednesday.

The leadership team also includes five competing athletes selected as co-captains.

Wheelchair curler Ina Forrest, hockey player Tyler McGregor, nordic skier Brittany Hudak, snowboarder Tyler Turner and alpine skier Alexis Guimond have been chosen to serve as “leaders and public faces of the Canadian Paralympic Team, sharing their teammates’ stories and engaging fans and supporters,” the CPC said in a press release.

While the Canadian Paralympic team has had traditional chefs de mission in the past, these new dedicated roles are part of a new initiative that “recognizes the vital leadership of the athletes at the Games.”

“They are all such experienced Paralympians and dedicated ambassadors for Para sport who provide the Canadian Paralympic Team with valuable leadership,” said Catherine Gosselin-Despres, Chief Sport Officer of the Canadian Paralympic Committee. “Mac was a well-regarded leader during his accomplished career on the slopes and continues to be a leader in Para sport today.

“His vast experience, familiarity with the athletes, and tireless passion for the Paralympic Games make him a great fit as honorary captain.”

The 28-year-old Marcoux, from Sault Ste. Marie, Ont., is a six-time Paralympic medallist who competed at Sochi 2014, PyeongChang 2018 and Beijing 2022 before retiring in February 2024. He won two Paralympic titles in the visually impaired category, taking the giant slalom in 2014 and the downhill in 2018.

The CPC says Marcoux’s role will see him work with the co-captains to foster team unity at the Games