Alpine Skier Madison Cyr’s Special Olympics Journey Led Her to Team Canada—And an Unexpected Family Connection

For Special Olympics athlete Madison Cyr, the ski hill isn’t just a place for competition—it’s her happy place. As she prepares to represent Canada at the Special Olympics World Winter Games in Turin, Italy, she reflects on a journey that began just a few years ago but has already transformed her life in ways she never imagined.

Madison first discovered Special Olympics in 2017 after her family realized she needed a more tailored sports experience than what she was receiving at school. A friend introduced them to the inclusive Special Olympics movement, and she joined track and field, quickly falling in love with both the sport and the sense of belonging it gave her. The confidence she gained changed everything—soon, her social circle was filled with fellow athletes who became her closest friends. Wanting to stay active year-round, she decided to take on a winter sport. Having gone on a few ski trips with her family, she was drawn to alpine skiing. What started as an off-season pursuit soon became her passion. The slopes became her sanctuary—a place where she felt completely in her element, pushing herself to go faster, ski smarter, and embrace the thrill of the race.

Like many athletes, Madison has faced challenges along the way. Anxiety about racing and being away from home initially made competition daunting, but her experience at the Special Olympics Canada Winter Games Calgary 2024 was a turning point. Travelling without her parents helped her realize her own independence. Each race, each competition, and each new experience built her resilience and belief in herself. Today, she approaches the Special Olympics World Winter Games Turin with confidence, knowing that she can handle any challenge that comes her way.

One of the most unexpected and meaningful aspects of Madison’s Special Olympics journey has been how it deepened her connection with her biological brother, Tyler Servant. Madison, who is adopted, has always known about Tyler, but it wasn’t until she became a Special Olympics athlete herself that she realized they shared the same passion for sport. Tyler was a member of Special Olympics Team Canada 2023 and competed in swimming at the Special Olympics World Summer Games in Berlin. While they live in different provinces—Tyler in Saskatchewan and Madison in Alberta—they had the opportunity to get together after Tyler returned from the Games in Berlin. 

It was a special moment when Tyler shared his medals with Madison, giving them a unique bond through sport. That meeting ignited something in her—not just pride in her brother’s accomplishments, but a personal goal to push herself even further. Beyond Turin, Madison hopes to continue training and conditioning to compete at the next Provincial Summer Games, with the dream of qualifying for the National Summer Games—where she could compete alongside Tyler.

Now, Madison is focused on making the most of her first Special Olympics World Games. Her goal in Turin is simple: to ski her best and have fun. She will have two of her biggest supporters in attendance—her father and grandfather—who will be cheering her on every step of the way. Though her mother couldn’t make the trip, she has been a constant source of support from home, following Madison’s journey closely. As a heartfelt gesture of gratitude, she hand-sewed Canada-themed quilts for the coaches and mission staff who have played a significant role in Madison’s Special Olympics Team Canada experience.

Reflecting on her Special Olympics journey, Madison says, “I learned that I can do anything I put my mind to.” That determination has taken her from a school track to the national podium and now to the world stage. As she prepares to represent Canada, she is not just racing for medals—she is racing for the confidence she’s gained, the friendships she’s built, and the dreams she’s chasing.

For anyone thinking about getting involved in Special Olympics, Madison has a simple message: “Go for it.” Her journey is proof that taking that first step can open doors to new opportunities, friendships, and personal growth. As she stands at the top of the ski hill in Turin, she carries with her the lessons she’s learned, the friendships she’s made, and the family connections she’s discovered. No matter the outcome, she has already won in the most meaningful ways. And for Madison, this is just the beginning.