Share

Events

Bibian Mentel and Evan Strong Win Gold in First Ever Paralympic Snowboard Event

TEAM USA SWEEP MEN'S PODIUM WHILE 40-YEAR-OLD BIBIAN DOMINATES WOMEN'S COMP

Brazil’s Andre Pereira taking on the first ever Paralympic snowboard course. Photo: Sochi 2014 Paralympic Winter Games

While many of us were hauling ourselves out of bed this morning, the world’s best para snowboarders were taking on the Sochi Paralympic snowboard cross course for the very first time.

Gold medal favourite Bibian Mentel from the Netherlands cruised into first place, a good 9 second ahead of French silver-medallist Cecile Hernandez. Amy Purdy wasn’t far behind, securing bronze for the USA.

Gold for 41-year-old Bibian! Photo: Sochi 2014 Paralympic Winter Games

Bibian was training to compete in the 2002 Salt Lake City Olympics. However, she soon discovered she’d contracted an aggressive bone cancer and her right leg had to be amputated. Amazingly, Bibian was back on her board just a few months after the amputation. She’s spent years campaigning to get snowboarding into the Winter Paralympics. Now at 41-years-old, she’s finally succeeded.

Eight-time world champion Evan Strong wins gold in first Paralympic event. Photo: Sochi 2014 Paralympic Winter Games

In the men’s heat, the Americans dominated the podium by winning all three medals. Evan Strong powered into first place, followed by Michael Shea and Keith Gabel. It was a close call with Evan beating Michael Shea by just 0.57 seconds.

Hawaiian native Evan used to be a professional skateboarder. However in 2002, he was hit by a car while riding his motorbike and had his left leg amputated below the knee.

Evan Strong still killing it in the bowl today. Photo: strongevan.con

It’s a mesmerising watch. The speeds are certainly slower than the Olympics and the kickers and berms are smaller. Riders don’t race one another, instead it’s judged on timed runs. Still, it’s an amazing sight – and there’s a fair share of bails. some within metres of the finish line. You’re just sat, willing them to make it down.

We all take for granted the fact that our legs work. We can strap in and ride as we please. It’s events like para snowboarding that remind us how strong human beings can be – and even when it seems impossible, you never have to give up riding.

sochi paralympic snowboard cross results 2014

Men

1. Evan Strong (USA)

2. Michael Shea (USA)

3. Keith Gabel (USA)

Women

1. Bibian Mentel (Netherlands)

2. Cecile Hernandez (France)

3. Amy Purdy (USA)

Newsletter Terms & Conditions

Please enter your email so we can keep you updated with news, features and the latest offers. If you are not interested you can unsubscribe at any time. We will never sell your data and you'll only get messages from us and our partners whose products and services we think you'll enjoy.

Read our full Privacy Policy as well as Terms & Conditions.

production