(NEXSTAR) - Team USA snowboarder Kate Delson secured a silver medal at the Paralympics in Italy. The San Diego native, who is competing in her first Games, credited her support system for the podium finish. Delson is the youngest member of the U.S. Para Snowboard team. She expressed gratitude for her family and coaches while reflecting on the importance of the disability spectrum and the classification process in Paralympic sports. Delson said she realized she would secure the silver medal shortly before crossing the finish line after completing a jump on the course. She expressed surprise at the result, noting that a podium finish was not a certainty heading into the event. "I wasn't 100% sure I could make it up on that podium," Delson said. "So I was just so stoked. And I was thinking about my family and my friends and the stands and on TV." The San Diego native highlighted the importance of her parents' presence in Italy. She noted that their experience watching her compete often felt more significant than her own performance. "Them seeing their daughter do this got to feel so much better than it even feels for me to be doing this," Delson said. As the youngest member of the U.S. Para snowboard team, Delson also reflected on her relationships with fellow athletes. She described the experience in Italy as a chance to bond with various Team USA members and competitors from other nations. "It's been really special being here and connecting with all my Team USA, Alpine, and curling teammates, as well as getting closer with the other snowboarders in the other country," Delson said. She added that the shared passion for snowboarding creates a strong connection between athletes regardless of their home country. Delson also sent a message to mentors and coaches back in California who could not attend the games. She credited them with providing the necessary resources for her success. "Just know that you are just as much a part of this medal as I am," Delson said. "All you guys gave me all the resources to get where I am today." Delson has one final competition scheduled for Saturday. After the event, she plans to take a break from racing to focus on free riding. "After this, I am going to try to go get some park laps in Switzerland, if not back home," Delson said. She noted she has been waiting two seasons to return to the park and take her mind off the pressures of competitive racing. All facts in this report were gathered by journalists employed by Nexstar. Artificial intelligence tools were used to reformat a broadcast script into a news article for our website. This report was edited and fact-checked by Nexstar staff before being published.