Bibian Mentel

Dutch Paralympic snowboarder and multiple gold medalist

Bibian Mentel (27 September 1972 – 29 March 2021) was a renowned Dutch Paralympic snowboarder and a three-time Paralympic gold medalist. She was a pioneering figure in the sport of snowboarding, particularly in advocating for the inclusion of snowboarding in the Paralympic Games.

Early Life and Career

Bibian Mentel was born in Utrecht, Netherlands. From a young age, she was passionate about sports, particularly snowboarding, which she began at the age of 14. Her talent quickly became evident, and she pursued a career in competitive snowboarding.

Snowboarding Career

Mentel's career in snowboarding was marked by numerous national and international successes. She won six Dutch national championships in the halfpipe and snowboard cross disciplines. Her career took a significant turn in 1999 when she sustained an injury that led to the discovery of a cancerous tumor in her leg.

Health Challenges

In 2001, Mentel underwent surgery to remove the tumor, which resulted in the amputation of her lower right leg. Despite this life-changing event, she was determined to continue her snowboarding career. Her resilience and determination led her to adapt to her new circumstances and continue competing at a high level.

Paralympic Achievements

Bibian Mentel-Spee

Mentel was instrumental in advocating for the inclusion of snowboarding in the Paralympic Games. Her efforts were rewarded when snowboarding was included in the 2014 Winter Paralympics in Sochi. At these games, she won the gold medal in the snowboard cross event, becoming the first Paralympic champion in the sport.

She continued her success at the 2018 Winter Paralympics in Pyeongchang, where she won two more gold medals in snowboard cross and banked slalom. Her achievements made her a celebrated figure in the Paralympic community and an inspiration to athletes worldwide.

Advocacy and Legacy

Beyond her athletic achievements, Mentel was a passionate advocate for athletes with disabilities. She founded the Mentelity Foundation, which aims to encourage and support people with physical disabilities to engage in sports. Her work has had a lasting impact on the lives of many athletes and has helped to promote inclusivity in sports.

Personal Life

Mentel was married to Edwin Spee, and together they had a son. Her personal life was marked by her positive outlook and determination to overcome challenges. She was known for her motivational speaking and her ability to inspire others through her story.

Death

Bibian Mentel passed away on 29 March 2021 after a long battle with cancer. Her legacy continues to inspire athletes and advocates for disability sports around the world.

Related Pages

• Paralympic Games
• Snowboarding
• Winter Paralympics