When 19-year-old alpine skier and Special Olympics athlete Madison Cyr is gliding down the slopes her motivational saying “Girl, You Got This” keeps her going. She has created t-shirts with her saying which her family proudly wears at her competitions. Madison traveled to Sestriere from Calgary, Alberta, Canada to compete at the Winter Games. Her father, Jason Cyr, and grandfather, Andrew Vandertol who are in Sestriere with her, have been not only supportive of her journey, but active participants in her training. For Madison, her family is what drives her to compete.
“I really enjoy when my dad and grandfather watch me ski,” said Madison. "Every time I hug my grandfather it gets me emotional.”
Andrew gets overwhelmed with emotions of joy when he speaks about his granddaughter’s journey from Calgary to Sestriere. He promised that he would join her on the journey to Italy to watch her compete in alpine skiing. “When she won nationals in March of 2024 to qualify for the World Games, I told her I would be there even though it is a long way from home,” said Andrew.
Madison’s grandfather and father have been training partners with Madison. Up until two years ago, Andrew, now 82 years old, skied with Madison to help her prepare for the Games, while her dad would keep up with her on the treadmill and in the weight room.
Madison once won a race with a small hairline fracture in her left kneecap, which was diagnosed after the race. Her competitiveness even carries over to her workouts with her dad. “I love working out with my dad because he motivates me, and I motivate him,” said Madison. "Sometimes I beat him on the treadmill.”
Even though Madison is here to compete, she is also cheering on and supporting her teammates and enjoying meeting and supporting athletes from other countries.
As competitive as she is, her father wants to make sure she is also enjoying her experience, no matter the outcome. “We are happy to be here, and the family is super proud of her, and it is due to all of her hard work,” said Jason.
No matter the competition or obstacle, her family makes sure she knows that she’s got it.
