A Forest native and three-time medalist opens up about the financial and community support fueling his fourth Paralympic bid.
Forest native Tyler McGregor is preparing to represent Canada for the fourth time at the Paralympic Games. The three-time medalist will head to the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Games not only as the captain of Canada’s Para Ice Hockey team but also as co-captain of the entire Canadian Paralympic Team.
McGregor credits his upbringing in Lambton County for laying the foundation of his success. "Growing up in Forest has shaped who I am," McGregor said. He noted that the support from the Sarnia-Lambton community has been a constant presence since he began his career in para sport.
"Knowing that I’m representing my hometown brings an enormous sense of pride and responsibility every time I compete," he said. McGregor expressed gratitude for the community that has stood by him through the challenges of his life and athletic career.
Competing at an elite level brings significant challenges beyond the ice, particularly financial ones. McGregor acknowledged that early in his career, financial pressures often dictated his training and competition schedule. "I had to pay my bills and budget for everyday expenses for the first time, on top of my expenses as an athlete," he explained.
He pointed to the Ontario Quest for Gold program as a critical resource that allowed him to sustain his career. The program, supported by OLG lottery players, helped cover the high costs of travel and accommodation associated with high-performance amateur sports. McGregor stated that this funding allowed him to focus on recovery and development rather than financial survival.
"Because of that support, my career has had a level of longevity that I am not sure would have been possible otherwise," he said.
As he steps into a broader leadership role for 2026, McGregor hopes to convey a message of resilience to young athletes in Sarnia-Lambton. He emphasized that progress is rarely linear and that success often depends on how one responds to difficulties. "Commitment and belief in yourself can open doors you may not expect," he said.
