Sask. athletes ready to go for podium as 2022 Winter Paralympic Games begin in Beijing

The 2022 Winter Paralympic Games are set to start in Beijing on Friday and two Saskatchewan women are among the athletes hoping to reach the podium for Team Canada.

Paralympic veteran Brittany Hudak already knows how it feels to have a medal hanging around her neck.

The Para nordic skier, originally from Prince Albert, won bronze at the Games in 2018 in the 12.5 kilometre biathlon event.

This year's Games in China will be her third time representing Canada at the Winter Paralympics.

"Getting here and not catching COVID on the flight … has made everyone just really happy to be here and excited to perform," she said.

"It is definitely an exhausting sport, but there's so much mental satisfaction when you cross the finish line."

While getting on the podium would be a bonus, Hudak said she would be satisfied reaching top five positions in her races.

Despite the global pandemic, Hudak and fellow Saskatchewan athlete Lisa DeJong said they feel safe competing at the Games in China.

DeJong, who will compete in snowboard cross and banked slalom, is one of 19 first-time Paralympians from Canada competing in Beijing.

The 32-year-old from Biggar, Sask., feels ready going into her first Games after winning several medals at the 2022 World Para Snow Sports Championships.

As a left leg below-the-knee amputee, DeJong races in the women's LL2 classification, according to the Canadian Paralympic Committee's website.

"Staying relaxed and having fun seems to be how I have my best results," she said.

"I'm just not putting any pressure on myself and doing the best rounds I'm able to do, and hopefully that'll be enough to make it on the podium."

DeJong and Hudak are among 49 Canadian athletes, including four guides, participating in Beijing