(Photo by: Vaughn Wheat.)

Lisa Elsener has spent her entire life working hard to be the very best she can be. She has set records, won medals, and competed nationally across the world in a list of sports that goes to the floor. With that being said, you wouldn’t think she’d bat an eye at snagging a gold medal. 

“I was shocked. I didn’t even know I was winning gold… it took a minute to hit me,” Elsener said. 

In March, Elsener, a 35 year dining service employee at JCCC, placed 1st in the Alpine Skiing, Novice Super G, F04 Final. Her recorded time was 00.51.83. Elsener has been competing in the Special Olympics for 46 years, since she was eight years old.

“She worked very hard to accomplish that run that gave her the medal,” Lisa’s coach, Kristie Ried said. “Lisa is a very good athlete, she thinks nothing of going out and running a half marathon. I, of course, would drive it.” 

This was Elsener’s fifth time competing at the international level, and she is a member of the JCPRD Stormin’ Rangers. She has previously been to New Zealand, Alaska, Utah, and Louisiana to compete in figure skating, swimming, and speed skating. Elsener was also admitted into the Special Olympics Kansas Hall of Fame in 1990 for her achievements.

“My favorite thing about skiing? All the fans that were there to see me get gold,” Elsener said. “It means a lot to me to compete. I feel like I gained a lot of confidence.”

Behind her competitive nature, Elsener is described by her coach and peers as being a caring and selfless individual. She represents Johnson County through her kind spirit and athletic achievements, and in return, Johnson County named March 3 to be Lisa Elsener Day.