### Who is the first Olympic medalist in Snowboard from your country?

Depending on the country being referred to, the answer to the question, "Who is the first Olympic medalist in Snowboarding from your country?" varies. The histories of snowboarding in the Olympics in Canada and South Korea provide distinct narratives, showcasing notable athletes such as Ross Rebagliati and Lee Sang-ho respectively.

### Ross Rebagliati - Canada's First Olympic Snowboard Medalist

#### Early Life and Career
Ross Rebagliati, born on July 14, 1971, in Vancouver, Canada, started snowboarding in 1987, at a time when the sport was just beginning to gain popularity. His love for the sport and dedication quickly led to his participation in competitions.

#### Historical Achievement
Snowboarding made its Olympic debut at the 1998 Winter Olympics in Nagano, Japan. Ross Rebagliati became the first athlete to win an Olympic gold medal in snowboarding for the men's giant slalom event. This victory was not only a personal achievement for Rebagliati but also a significant milestone for the sport and for Canada, marking the country’s presence in Olympic snowboarding.

#### Controversy and Legacy
Rebagliati’s victory was initially marred by controversy when he tested positive for marijuana, a substance that was banned at the time by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). This led to a temporary disqualification and the stripping of his gold medal. However, the decision was overturned since marijuana was not listed as a banned substance in the rules of the International Ski Federation (FIS), and Rebagliati's medal was reinstated. This incident sparked international discussion about drug policies in sports and contributed to changes in drug testing programs.

### Lee Sang-ho - South Korea's First Olympic Snowboard Medalist

#### Early Life and Career
Lee Sang-ho, born August 12, 1995, in Seoul, South Korea, emerged from a country not traditionally known for winter sports. Lee's pursuit of snowboarding started at a young age at a small local resort. His talent was evident early on in his career, marked by national and international competition wins.

#### Historical Achievement
Lee Sang-ho earned his place in the history books during the 2018 Winter Olympics held in Pyeongchang, South Korea. He won a silver medal in the men's parallel giant slalom, marking the first time a South Korean had won an Olympic medal in snowboarding. This achievement was not only a breakthrough for Lee but also a significant development for South Korea's snowboarding scene, highlighting its potential on the world stage.

#### Impact and Recognition
Lee's success generated immense pride among South Koreans and increased interest and investment in winter sports programs within the country. It represented a significant shift in the perception and popularity of snowboarding and winter sports in a predominantly summer sport-focused nation.

### Conclusion
Ross Rebagliati and Lee Sang-ho, though from different continents and cultural backgrounds, each marked a critical point in their respective countries' sporting histories. Their achievements underscore the global nature of sports and the unique ways different cultures embrace and excel in new athletic disciplines. Both athletes not only stood out as pioneers in their sport at the Olympic level but also helped to inspire future generations of snowboarders in their countries.