Helene Barbro Ripa (born 22 August 1971) is a Swedish former Paralympic athlete who has participated in swimming, cross-country skiing, mountain bike orienteering and canoeing events.

[1] At the age of fourteen, Helene Ripa was diagnosed with cancer in her right leg and doctors were forced to amputate the limb above the knee.

[4] In 1993, Ripa was forced to end her swimming career due to injuries, opting instead to learn interior decorating and move to New York City.

[5] In 2003, Ripa met her future husband Ronnie Pettersson, whose athletic interests motivated her to return to sport.

[8] At the 2014 Paralympics in Sochi, Russia, Ripa won a gold medal in the 15 km classic cross-country event.

[9] Ripa was nominated for Bragdguldet, Jerringpriset ("The Jerring Award") and "Achievement of the Year" at the Svenska Idrottsgalan ("Swedish Athletics Gala") for her success at the 2014 Games.

[15] During the European Championships in Moscow, Russia, in June 2016, Ripa won the gold medal for K-1 200 metres in the KL3 class.