CANADA’S FIRST-EVER WINTER PARALYMPIC SNOWBOARDING MEDALIST, LISA DEJONG, ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT

Lisa Dejong is stepping away from competitive snowboarding after a prolific career. She has been a pillar of our National Team program in the Para-snowboard discipline since joining the NextGen program in the 2020/21 season. 

“Describing Lisa's contribution to Para-Snowboarding is no easy task.”  Kim Krahulec, High Performance Director of the Speed disciplines, who has worked closely with Lisa throughout her career. “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.”

Dejong brought home Canada’s first-ever Paralympic medal in snowboarding during the Beijing 2022 Paralympic Winter Games, a silver in snowboard cross. However, that is just one of her many impressive achievements, which include winning the Crystal Globe, becoming Vice-World Champion, and securing multiple World Cup podium finishes.

“I wasn’t here for a long time a good time!” said Lisa Dejong when asked about her influential para-snowboard career. “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.” 

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

Although Dejong’s competitive chapter has come to an end, she is still planning to be involved in the sport. “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…Closing a chapter is never easy when you leave such a close-knit family that is my team.” 

“ What an amazing career Lisa had! Her progression was truly remarkable. During the same snowboard season, Lisa went from getting classified to winning the first Canadian Para-Snowboard medal at the Paralympics! It is 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 

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

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