Lisa Kjaer

Started: She took up Para taekwondo in 2012. (insidethegames.biz, 29 Sep 2019) Reason: She previously competed in non-Para taekwondo, retiring in 2004. Coach Bjarne Johansen introduced her to Para taekwondo after she was inspired by the 2012 Paralympic Games in London. "I was blown away by these people competing, smiling, crying, being part of something bigger than themselves. I made the choice that I also wanted to do this." (alt.dk, 09 Nov 2022; paralympic.org, 09 Aug 2021; insidethegames.biz, 29 Sep 2019) Ambition: To win a gold medal at the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris. "There is no doubt that my last match in Paris will end my career." (via.ritzau.dk, 01 Feb 2024) Milestones: She became the first taekwondo athlete representing Denmark to win a medal at the Paralympic Games when she claimed gold in the -58kg category at the 2020 Games in Tokyo. (SportsDeskOnline, 29 Apr 2024; paralympic.org, 03 Sep 2021) Awards: She and athletics competitor Daniel Wagner were flag bearers for Denmark at the opening ceremony of the 2020 Paralympic Games in Tokyo. (Danmark til PL Facebook page, 25 Aug 2021) In 2022 she was inducted into the Taekwondo Hall of Fame. (parasport.dk, 29 Aug 2022; taekwondo.dk, 24 Aug 2022) She received the 2021 Para Sports Award from the Ministry of Culture in Denmark. (hsfo.dk, 22 Jan 2022) She received the 2019 Pressalit Keep Living award as the Best Para Athlete of the Year in Denmark. (midtjyllandsavis.dk, 06 Feb 2020) Additional Info: OTHER ACTIVITIES She has served as a member of the National Olympic Committee and Sports Confederation of Denmark [DIF] Athletes' Committee. (via.ritzau.dk, 05 Dec 2023; dif.dk, 23 Nov 2023) OCCUPATION She has worked as a legal consultant for the Southeast Jutland Police in Denmark. (tvsyd.dk, 01 Feb 2024)