When Lisa DeJong crossed the finish line in second in the women’s SB-LL2 snowboard cross final at the Beijing 2022 Paralympic Winter Games, she etched her name in the history books. She will forever be the first Canadian to win a Para snowboard medal at the Paralympic Games.
Para snowboard made its debut at the 2014 Games, and DeJong was the first Canadian athlete to step on the podium in the sport, winning a silver medal at her first Paralympic Games.
“When I look back at the Games, some of the memories that stand out the most for me are just how proud I was,” said DeJong looking back on her experience. “Our sport of snowboarding has come so far so fast, and to be part of the movement has been such a crazy ride. Winning a silver medal riding against some of the strongest, most talented athletes in the world, there is just no better feeling.”
DeJong was also second in her snowboard cross quarterfinal and semifinal to qualify for the final, where she stayed in that silver-medal position. She followed winner Cecile Hernandez of France to the finish line, while Brenna Huckaby of the U.S. was third.
The result was the cap to an incredible season for DeJong, who had become a medal contender earlier in the year with strong results on the World Cup circuit and three medals at the world championships.
Beijing 2022 Canadian Paralympic Sport Awards
Best Paralympic Debut by a Female Athlete – Lisa DeJong
Best Paralympic Debut by a Male Athlete – To be announced
Best Team Performance – To be announced
Best Male Athlete – To be announced
Best Female Athlete – To be announced
The Canadian Paralympic Sport Awards recognize outstanding athlete and team performances at the Paralympic Games. For more information visit Paralympic.ca/Sport-Awards.
