Canada’s First-ever Winter Paralympic Snowboard Medalist Retires

Lisa Dejong is stepping away from competitive snowboarding after a prolific career.   She has been a pillar of our National Team in the Para snowboard discipline since joining the NextGen program in the 2020/21 season. Since then, Dejong took home Canada’s first winter Paralympic medal, a silver in snowboard cross during the Beijing 2022 Paralympic Winter Games.

Over the course of her career, Dejong has accomplished many impressive achievements, which include winning the Crystal Globe, becoming Vice-World Champion, and securing multiple World Cup podium finishes.

The celebrated member of our sports community has contributed so much to snowboarding and the Paralympic movement over the course of her career. 

Career highlights include:

  • 2020 Big White NORAM SBX – Silver x2 
  • 2021 NED Europa Cup BSL – Silver and Gold
  • 2021 Finland Europa Cup SBX – Gold
  • 2021 Finland World Cup SBX – Bronze x2 
  • 2021 Germany World Cup BSL – Bronze 
  • 2022 World Champs BSL and SBX –  Silver 
  • Team event SBX – Gold
  • 2022 Big White WC SBX – Gold x2
  • Crystal Globe SBX
  • Crystal medal – Silver overall
  • 2022 Beijing Paralympics – SBX – Silver
  • 2023 BigWhite WC BSL – Silver and Gold 
  • 2023 Crystal medal – 3rd overall BSL

” I wasn’t here for a long time, but a good time! I accomplished more than I could have ever dreamed and I owe so much of it to my coaches and team who believed in my abilities and shaped me into the athlete I am. Closing a chapter is never easy when you leave such a close-knit family that is my team. I’m looking forward to giving back to snowboarding which has given so much to me, by mentoring the next generation and representing the athletes to ensure we have a voice in sport, keeping it fun and safe for everyone.”– Lisa Dejong 

“ Describing Lisa’s contribution to Para-Snowboarding is no easy task. She’s been an essential part of our para snowboard program for several seasons and has played a crucial role in taking our program to new heights. Lisa is not just a talented athlete; she’s a supportive teammate and a fierce competitor. She’s the kind of person who celebrated our team victories wholeheartedly and consistently proved herself as a formidable force on the race track. I’ll always cherish the memories we’ve created together and the excitement of watching our team compete on the world stage.”   –  Kim Krahulec, Canada Snowboard High-Performance Director – Speed

“ What an amazing career Lisa had! Her progression was truly remarkable. Within the same snowboard season, Lisa went from getting classified to winning the very first Canadian Para-Snowboard medal at the Paralympics! A moment, an accomplishment we will never forget! Lisa was a great athlete but most & foremost a great teammate. Throughout her career, Lisa proved that dedication and hard work really pays off. Not only has she competed at the highest level but she helped push the sport to another level. Lisa is a fierce competitor but she’s also a mother. You’ve been an inspiration to many, including your kids being able to watch you follow your passion, flourish & succeed. I wish you a great retirement Lisa and know that the door will always be open should you want to come back.“ – Greg Picard, Para National Team Coach 

ABOUT CANADA SNOWBOARD 

Canada Snowboard is the governing body for snowboarding in Canada. With a commitment to excellence, our athletes are amongst the best in the world, and our goal is to continue to provide them with the means to achieve their goals while embracing the culture of snowboarding and inspiring the next generation of riders. Our members are our Provincial and Territorial Associations. 

Contact Email: media@snowboardcanada.com
 

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