Twenty-one athletes from 15 countries took part in a ballot at the ongoing 2017 World Championships in Big White in Canada.

Dutchwoman Mentel-Spee, who defended her snowboard cross SB-LL2 world title on Saturday (February 4), will serve a second two-year term.

She will serve as a liaison between athletes and the sport's decision makers, as well as a direct link to the International Paralympic Committee's (IPC) Athletes' Council.

"I think it is really, really important that the athletes have a voice, and I’m really honoured that the athletes chose me to be that voice," said Mentel-Spee.

"I’m so passionate about this sport and I just want to see it grow and make it work."

Mentel-Spee won Paralympic gold in snowboard cross at Sochi 2014, where she was The Netherlands' flagbearer.

Australia's 22-year-old Joany Badenhorst was defeated in the vote but 44-year-old Mentel-Spee believes there can be a mix of youth and experience.

"[Over my last term] I’ve been discussing things with [Joany] as well as with the more senior riders and with the younger riders," she said.

"And that is why I’m happy Joany stepped up in saying she wanted to be an athlete rep because she is representing the youth.

"One of the Austrian guys said, 'oh you’re really the mom of the sport'.

"And I want the younger athletes to feel free to speak to athlete reps. 

"And Joany is a good example of that."

Banked slalom action will complete competition in Big White tomorrow.