Why did you start snowboarding?

I started snowboarding because I was skiing with my family every weekend in the '80s with my family and snowboarding looked so cool and like it would be so much fun!

What were your first turns and the beginnings of your pro career like?

My first turns – after a lot of falling – were so natural and free. On my third day on a snowboard, I was speeding down a black diamond run in a foot (30cm) of fresh powder jumping off the little pillows of powder on the tops of the snow-covered stumps. The skiers were losing their skis and falling in the heavy snow and I was gliding over the top and loving it!

What were (so far and to you) your most meaningful experiences as a snowboarder?

My most meaningful experience was competing at home in the Vancouver 2010 Olympics and hearing the crowd cheering for me – even after I got knocked out in the finals by .01 of a second.

What is your setup for competitions and/or freecarving rides?

Kessler 177 with the Apex plate system

F2 bindings 57 degrees and 54 degrees 46cm

What (apart from snowboarding) do you like to do in your spare time?

I like to golf and do yoga

F a v o u r i t e s

Travel Destination

Japan – love racing there! So much culture and great food!

Drink red wine

Food Japanese and Chinese

Music Opera & pop

Film I liked the Social Network

Book Atlas Shrugged

Color pink

Favourite thing of some other kind

My husband – he is a great skier, lots of fun and is the best for hugging!

Quote or life motto

Aim high, work hard and give back.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Birthday: October 6th 1972 ~ Homepage

(2010 October Email Interview)