Joany Badenhorst: My top three moments of 2017

"It still makes me emotional to hear how proud they were.”

Australia’s Joany Badenhorst had a very satisfying 2016-17 season with podiums in both women’s banked slalom and snowboard-cross SB-LL2.

Her performances led her to claim the World Cup crystal globe in snowboard-cross.

After another great showing at the PyeongChang 2018 Paralympic Winter Games Test Event, she is now focused on next season.

Here are her three memorable moments from 2017.

1. My parents’ reaction to my results at the Test Event

“One of my most memorable moments in my 2017 would have to be hearing my mum and dad’s reaction over Skype after I told them I won two silver medals in PyeongChang and the globe. It still makes me emotional to hear how proud they were.”

2. Winning my first World Cup in Lake Tahoe, USA

“I think every athlete will remember the first time they got to move all the way up to the top of the podium and I am lucky to say I always will!”

3. Teaching the next generation of Para snowboarders

“I met a young amputee girl that loved the snow and always followed my season as I competed around the world. I was lucky enough to get the opportunity to teach her how to snowboard for the very first time and I will always remember her face as she came down the slopes for the very first time. That is one of the greatest moments I got to be a part of this season.”

PyeongChang 2018 will take place from 9 to 18 March 2018 and will feature 80 medal events in six winter Paralympic sports.