Swimmer.  Triathlete.  Runner.  Motivational Speaker.  Para-athlete.

Known for producing some of the most physically fit children in Europe[1], most children in Finland have learned to ski, play soccer, ice hockey and floorball at an early age.  Liisa Lilja was no exception.  Active and athletic, she would be outside playing, no matter the weather.  

All would change, when at age eight, Lisa was diagnosed with bone cancer.  The prognosis – an above the knee amputation of her right leg.  Once back at school, Liisa was determined to return to her normal activities but was met with some resistance.

“The worst thing that my injury has caused me is when I was banned from participating in elementary winter sports day.  I had decided that I would show them that I could do everything else.”

With her family’s full support and encouragement, Liisa began a rehabilitation regime that included swimming.  She was fast.  She was focused.  She was determined.  Seven years later, at the age of 15, Liisa was asked to join Team Finland.  Competing in the European and Nordic Championships, she now holds three Finnish records and several Finnish Championships.

By 2014, Liisa was ready for more and began training for her first paratriathlon.  With the help of her Cheetah Xtreme, she would go on to compete in over 26 worldwide paratriathlon events, taking the podium 22 times and winning the gold on seven occasions.

“I enjoyed swimming, but I needed new challenges. My goal is to reach the top in paratriathlon.”

Athletic Accomplishments

• 2021 Besancon ITU Paratriathlon World Cup - Gold
• 2021 A Coruna ITU Paratriathlon World Cup - Silver
• 2019 Valencia ETU Paratriathlon European Championships - Silver
• 2019 Besancon ITU Paratriathlon World Cup - Gold
• 2018 Madeira ITU Paratriathlon World Cup Funchal - Gold
• 2017 Rotterdam World Triathlon Grand Final (World Championships) – Gold
• 2016 Rio Paralympics - Paratriathlon 4th
• 2016 Para Triathlon World Championships – Silver
• 2016 European Championships – Silver
• 2015 FIN Sprint Distance Triathlon National Championships - Gold