Madison Mullin heading to Milan for Paralympic Games

FERGUS – Win or lose, Madison Mullin has already fulfilled a dream.

The 18-year-old Fergus woman, a recent graduate of Centre Wellington District High School, is heading to the Paralympic Games in Milan in March as a member of Team Canada’s Paralympic Team.

It's a dream she’s had ever since she started competitive cross-country skiing as a kid.

“I made the prospect team last year and the national development team this year,” said Mullin on the phone. “I was pretty excited to learn I'm on the team and heading to the Paralympics.”

Mullin was in Canmore, Alberta when the Advertiser caught up with her, preparing for the Paralympic Games that run March 6 to 15 in Milan.

She was born with congenital glaucoma, a condition that has left her with no light perception in her right eye and very limited tunnel vision in her left eye.

She’s considered legally blind, but it never stopped her from being athletic – or competitive.

Mullin skis with a guide and Brooke Ailey, from Thunder Bay is now filling that role.

Ailey is no slouch herself, skiing on the University of Nippissing team. But it’s Ailey's personality that won Mullin over, she said.

As a guide, Ailey’s job is not just to keep up with Mullin, but to warn her of turns, icy patches and other hazards, and let her know where her competitors are.

Communication is everything, Mullin said, and the two are a good team.

The altitude in Canmore is higher than Milan, making it a good training ground. Training camp is also a good place to mentally prepare for what’s in store.

“I'm not too nervous yet,” said Mullin. “I try to turn my nerves into excitement.

“I'm doing a lot better with how I think about things,” she continued. “Everybody here is so open. I can ask any question. It’s put me in a good headspace.”

The team will soon be heading to Austria for a preliminary competition on Feb. 22, then on to Italy.

Mullin will compete in some para-Nordic (cross country skiing) races – 10km, 20km and a 1.5km sprint race – and also in biathlon, which is a combination of skiing and shooting.

Her father, Matt Mullin, said his daughter will use a laser rifle and wear headphones for the shooting part of the race.

She’ll hear a tone that becomes higher pitched when she aims at the bullseye.

“I think she’s going to do pretty good,” he said. “She’s middle of the pack right now. She’s looking forward to the whole experience.

“And she’s progressed quicker than everyone thought. She worked hard to accomplish her goal.”

The whole family – mom, dad, grandparents, siblings, aunts, uncles and cousins – are heading to Milan to cheer her on.

“We’re taking time to let it sink in. We couldn’t be prouder,” Matt said.