It's been a big year for Sherwood Park Paralympian Lisa DeJong.
In 2022, DeJong became the first Canadian to win silver in para snowboarding at the Paralympic Winter Games. She was also awarded a Strathcona County Award of Excellence later in the year.
DeJong had her left leg amputated just below the knee when she was three years old. Growing up in a ski family, she eventually branched out into snowboarding. In 2019, at 29 years old, DeJong began to compete professionally.
"I randomly saw a Para snowboarder on Facebook and realized there was a program for that. From there I got in contact with Canada Snowboard, and kind of kept bugging them until they were doing a camp in my area, so I went and tried out for the team."
DeJong said these last few years have felt extrodinary.
"I wasn't really even nervous racing because I thought it was amazing, I made it to the finals."
As for what the future has to hold for DeJong, she said that she just finished competing in the kickoff for the Para-Snowboard World Cup at Big White Ski Resort in Kelowna.
"I won a silver and a gold in that."
Between games, DeJong has been training at Mount Sima in the Yukon. When she's not competing, she's spending time at home with her two kids.
As for career goals, DeJong says her career is already a dream come true.
"I've already accomplished more than I thought I would," DeJong said. "I guess my goal would be to get gold next time."
DeJong is hoping to attend the 2026 Winter Paralympics in Italy.
Follow DeJong on her Instagram account.