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Classifications are used to ensure fair competition by grouping athletes with similar levels of impairment together. This allows athletes to compete against others with comparable abilities, creating a level playing field and promoting exciting and competitive para snowboarding events.
In para snowboarding, athletes are classified based on the nature and severity of their impairment. LL1 and LL2 are classification categories for female para snowboarders:
LL1 Classification: LL1 stands for "Lower Limb Impairment. Athletes in this classification typically have a more significant impairment affecting their lower limbs compared to LL2 athletes. They may have impairments such as limb loss, muscle weakness, or joint limitations that significantly impact their ability to compete in snowboarding.
2. LL2 Classification: LL2 stands for "Lower Limb Impairment 2. Athletes in this classification have a lower limb impairment that is less severe compared to LL1 athletes. They may have impairments such as partial limb loss, mild muscle weakness, or less restrictive joint limitations that still affect their snowboarding ability but to a lesser extent than LL1 athletes.
In Women's Para-snowboarding LL1 and LL2 women compete combined with no separation regarding disability.
Brenna has competed in both LL1 and LL2 classifications. Currently, she holds the top position as the leading female Paralympic medalist in para snowboard cross.
Athletes complete 1-2 runs during qualification, with their best run determining final order based on time. Only one rider is on the course at a time during qualification. Finals consist of 16 men and 8 women, with 4 competitors per heat (or as determined by the jury). Ideal snowboard-cross features exclude gap jumps, corner jumps, spines, double spines, cutting banks, giant slalom turns, and negative banks.
Snowboard cross
Brenna currently has a combination of 17 World Cup medals from both Banked Slalom and Dual Banked Slalom.
Each athlete completes two runs down the course, with their best run dictating the final order based on ascending time. Only one rider occupies the course at any given time, typically designed on a medium pitched slope, preferably showcasing naturally varying terrain with undulations and a U-shape or natural valley layout.
The dual banked slalom closely mirrors the structure of banked slalom but introduces a head-to-head dynamic, with two athletes navigating adjacent courses simultaneously. The competition adopts a bracket format, where the victor of each race progresses until only two remain to vie for the gold medal.
banked slalom
bRENNA AND TEAMMATE REBECCA JOHNSON WON WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP BRONZE IN THE 2023 DUAL BANKED SLALOM TEAM EVENT.
Team events are new to the para snowboard tour. teams are made up of 2 women or 2 men from each nation. they compete in a relay style race.
team events
