“Exceeded all expectations” – Jesper Pedersen leaves Beijing 2022 as most successful Paralympian

“Exceeded all expectations” – Jesper Pedersen leaves Beijing 2022 as most successful Paralympian

https://twitter.com/Paralympics/status/1503093855079514114

Jesper Pedersen became the most successful Paralympian at Beijing 2022 by winning his fourth gold medal on the ultimate day of the Para Alpine Skiing competition at the Yangqing National Alpine Skiing Centre.

The Norwegian clinched the men’s slalom sitting title with a time of 1:31.10, finishing ahead of Dutch Niels de Langen (1:37.18) and Italian Rene de Silvestro (1:38.44).

During an interview, the 22-year-old mentioned that his performance succeeded all expectations and he’s glad for producing such a result.

“I exceeded all expectations. Of course, this is what I’ve been dreaming of for the last couple of years, but to be able to have such good events here and in Hafjell (2022 World Championships) as well, it’s been just amazing for me,” said Pedersen.

“I’m just so happy and now I’m ready to go home and take a well-deserved rest.”

Jesper Pedersen shares memories of his late father

Pedersen had previously finished on top of the podium in the giant slalom, super-G and super combined, and silver in the downhill. The youngster went on to mention that he skied in memory of his later father Bjorn, who passed away in November 2020. 

He added: “I’ve had him (his photos) on my sit-ski for the last races. He’s always with me in my memory. I wouldn’t be where I am today without him so he’s a big part of who I am today.

“He took me out skiing for the first time when I was two years old. I don’t think many parents would have done that with their two-year-old spina bifida child, so I’ve been really lucky and I want to honour him in the best way possible and to take four gold medals here is a good way to do that.”

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