Photo Courtesy of the Canadian Paralympic Team. 

Biggar’s Lisa Dejong became Canada’s first ever Paralympic snowboarding medalist, winning a silver medal in the snowboard cross at the 2022 Beijing Winter Paralympic Games.

Competing on Mar. 7 in her debut Games, Dejong came in second in the quarterfinal and semifinal behind Cecil Hernandez of France before crossing the finish line.

Dejong was seen proudly waving the Canadian flag at the bottom of the course.

“I feel absolutely amazing. It was unexpected,” the 32-year-old told CBC. “Just to make it in the big final, I felt like I already did what I came here to do. To come in second is amazing.”

Before the Games took place, Dejong had great success debuting at the World Cup, capturing two bronze medals.

Congratulations to Saskatchewan’s Lisa DeJong from Biggar on winning Canada’s first ever Paralympic snowboarding medal in her very first Paralympic appearance.
https://t.co/hB4rl5JAji

— Scott Moe (@PremierScottMoe) March 9, 2022

Para-snowboarding became an official sport in 2014. Dejong topped Michelle Sait’s fourth place for best Canadian record at the Games.

Dejong’s own snowboarding journey began when she was 11 after switching from skiing.

“I was skiing right from when I was about three and gave snowboarding a try when I was about 11,” she said to Sherwood Park News. “I think of snowboarding as the great equalizer. Having two feet strapped into a board, it is almost like there is no disability at all.”

Dejong was a disability-certified snowboard instructor that gave her more experience with snowboarding. Dejong’s mom, Lorna Goring said that “a huge part of why Lisa competes is to grow the sport.”

Goring watched eagerly on Mar. 7 through a broadcast of her daughter’s event. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, Dejong’s family was unable to spectate in person.

“When I see her it will become more real,” said Goring. “Once I see her, and can give her a hug it will become more real. She gets home soon and I cannot wait to see her. It is so exciting.”

While Dejong currently resides in Sherwood Park, Alta., she chose to represent Biggar for the Games. Mayor of Biggar, Jim Rickwood, says the community is “reeling” over the success of Lisa’s debut performance.

“You can never leave Biggar,” said Rickwood. “You are always a part of Biggar. Lisa is one of those success stories that we are ever so proud of. It is so amazing.”

Despite making Canadian history, Goring is proud of her daughter for accomplishing so much during COVID-19 restrictions. While she had lots of training, there was no opportunity for competition because of the pandemic.

“I am so proud of how poised and hardworking she was,” said Goring. “She had a goal and she went for it. The medal was the bonus.”

The bronze medal was taken by Brenna Huckaby from the United States after a huge collision with Lisa Bunschoten of the Netherlands. Bunschoten fell off course during the collision and was disqualified as a result.

Due to travel delays, Dejong was expected to provide comment by Thursday.