Veteran Paralympic Champions Lead Canada Into Milano-Cortina Games
Experienced athletes Greg Westlake, Mark Arendz, and Ina Forrest bring decades of expertise to inspire next generation of competitors
Canada's Paralympic team is entering the Milano-Cortina Games with a powerful combination of veteran leadership and fresh talent, as seasoned champions Greg Westlake, Adam Dixon, Mark Arendz and Ina Forrest take the helm of the national squad.
The roster showcases the remarkable staying power of Paralympic sport, where athletes often compete at the highest level for decades. Hockey veteran Greg Westlake continues to demonstrate that experience and skill can triumph over time, while nordic skiing standout Mark Arendz brings his proven track record to the snowy slopes of Italy. Curling champion Ina Forrest rounds out this trio of accomplished leaders, each representing years of dedication to their respective sports.
This veteran presence comes at a crucial time when Paralympic athletes are increasingly advocating for recognition based purely on athletic merit. Recent research has shown that Paralympic athletes want media coverage to focus on sport rather than disability, with competitors calling for "less emphasis on disability and greater attention to competition, athletic performance and sporting results."
The Milano-Cortina Games represent more than just another competition for these seasoned athletes—they're an opportunity to showcase the evolution of Paralympic sport into a truly elite athletic arena. The presence of veterans like Westlake, Dixon, Arendz, and Forrest provides invaluable mentorship for newer team members while demonstrating the longevity possible in Paralympic competition.
Canada's approach of blending experienced champions with emerging talent creates a dynamic team environment where knowledge transfer happens naturally. These veteran athletes have weathered multiple Paralympic cycles, understanding not just the technical demands of their sports but also the unique pressures and opportunities that come with representing their country on the world's biggest stage.
The leadership these athletes provide extends beyond their individual events. Their presence helps establish team culture, provides stability during high-pressure moments, and offers younger athletes real-world examples of sustained excellence in Paralympic sport.
As the Milano-Cortina Games approach, Canada's veteran-led team stands as a testament to the depth and maturity of Paralympic sport. These experienced champions aren't just competing—they're paving the way for the next generation while proving that Paralympic athletes can maintain elite performance across multiple Games cycles.
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