Now that you are married and living in Switzerland which is your favorite, Europe or America ?

That’s tough.  In some ways I guess I’m a ‘grass is always greener’ kind of girl missing Europe when I am in the States, and vice versa.  But really, that’s not exactly right because I really do love where I am all the time.  I am lucky to get to live both worlds and see the beauty of both the Euro and Americana lifestyles!

Where do you train during the season, and with who ?

I train the most at Eurolac right outside of Geneva, just over the border into France.  I try to ski with Fred when he gets off work, but most days are me and my driver, Patrice.  When I am in the States, its Big Lake in Pelzer, South Carolina with Dad.

You have had two professional tournaments this year, and won both of them, what would you say is the key to winning ?

I decided after I missed the two events that I wanted to invest my time, energy, emotion, commitment back into the sport.  I stopped skiing for three months, and once I made the decision to come back, I realized that there was no halfway way to do this.  It was all or nothing, and since I first jumped back into the water, I have tried to be 100% committed with my focus on performing as well as and with as much concentrated effort as I possibly could.  I think this is what has helped me so far this year.  That and I have also come up with some really great methods for relaxing enough to allow myself the freedom to let what is going to happen unfold as it will.

Favorite tournament ?

Dana’s tournament in Skyview last weekend is a topper!  It’s a perfect site, everyone was there, we ski head-to-head (which has finally worked out for me!), the little B&B where I stay is lovely, my parents are close enough to come with me, southern hospitality of the Carolina’s… I could go on and on…

How do you “gear” up for a big tournament ?

I am pretty good working with my peaks.  I will make sure that by midweek I am really on it, and then start to back away to give my body the chance to get really tough.  Lots of meditation and yoga have been really effective for me as well. 

What is the worst and best thing about being a professional water skier ?

Travel and travel.  Our lives sound so glamorous and jet-set, and while it is incredible visiting the world for the sake of my profession, it can wear on a person, especially when you are trying to perform at your best with jet lag.  It’s like skiing with a hangover sometimes!  Also, our travel can be very expensive often times excluding those who can’t afford to pay that plane ticket/hotel room/rental car, which means that the field is lacking.  But I have met those dearest to me and seen some of the most incredible sights of my life on the road thanks to skiing.  I am not complaining at all, but I do find that every year packing the suitcase becomes more and more of a chore!

What do you do in the off-season ?

I ski a little heading down to Acapulco at Gordon’s Ski Paradise for a good three weeks in January.  I have a trainer who I see at least twice a week who is usually making me follow some masochistic cardio-plan that seems to consume lots of time.  Last year I spent six weekends becoming certified to teach yoga in Prague, and this year will probably be spent teaching loads of classes at Innercityoga downtown Geneva (right now six classes a week, and that is during the ski season!)  Fred and I travel a bit as well when we can, and I get into a routine of cooking and exploring all kinds of recipes in the off-season as well…

Give me a funny fan story.

Okay, so there is this one guy that always comes to the same tournament every year and tells me how much his daughter loves me (as she is looking at what all the other kids are doing completely disinterested), and could I sign his shirt (off his back, mind you!) for her.  Hmmm…

You are the 2nd person to ever run 39, how did it feel, and can you do it again ?

Yes, I am going to run 39’ again.  It might not be this year, but it will happen again, and while I learned my lesson and will STAND UP at one the next time, I believe that I can get a piece of 2. 

Running 39 was really probably the greatest thrill in my life so far.  To be on the verge of touching the record with my fingertips, I think I was hysterical coming out the end gates, which probably didn’t help me so much at 41.  I was really freaking out!  And coming into 41, I was really overwhelmed with what had happened, and not sure my focus was where it should have been.  I think my thoughts got all convoluted and I kind of dumped over at 1 thinking of that piece of 2!!  Rookie move, right?

Is it harder to get to the top or to stay on the top ?

BOTH!!  Both have been really hard!  I guess when you are working your way to the top it’s the most frustrating, but really that is the best part… everyone is cheering for you and wants you to win and wants to see the new face on the podium, so you feel so much encouragement and support from all over the place.  Staying on top is such a different ball game because everyone wants to knock the top guy off, it’s the nature of sport!  So the support is different but the challenge is as much fun for me.  It becomes so psychological… no, that’s an understatement, I think it is always a big head game, but being at the top and maintaining it is an incredible test as well.  

You’re a lefty, disadvantage or advantage ?

Advantage!!  Hello?  Bouy number one is kind of important!  No, I think both sides have their ‘perks,’ but of course, as a lefty I think I have the best foot forward… 

What are your goals for the rest of 2007 ?

Concrete goals are to become World Champion and World Cup Champion.  But on a more abstract level, which is equally as important to me, my goal is to ski my optimal best and maintain my focus every single time I am on the water and maintain my health by recognizing when I need to step away.  That isn’t always so easy.

You married another water skier, give me a pro and con, and tell me a bit about Frederic.

Pro- you share the same hobby/passion for the same sport.  Con- after a day at the lake training when you want to collapse on the sofa, your hard-working husband wants to spend the evening skiing at the lake.  Can be overkill!!  Frederic is on the Swiss team and competes at Pro events in Europe.  He is tied for the slalom record in Switzerland with 2@41' off.  Let’s see, Fred is an intense guy, but in a laid back kind of way.  He takes things that are important to him very seriously, but there is always this hint of humor that keeps things really light and fun.  He has more patience than anyone I have ever met (probably helps that he grew up with two sisters!), and his ability to tolerate any situation, any pressure, anyone, anything is inspiring.  It is hard to know Fred and not like him because he is such a genuine person… what you see is really exactly what you get.  He is kind and affectionate and okay, I better stop, already he is going to think I am gushing…

What are your plans for the future ?

I foresee myself skiing forever, that is what my time off this spring taught me.  I love this sport and it is so much a part of my life, and the life of my husband that I could not imagine not always looking for places to live with ski lakes in the vicinity a top priority!  Maybe a kid or two…  Maybe back to the States…  and for sure my own yoga studio!

What would you tell a young person trying to get into our sport?

Persevere and enjoy the ride.  This sport is so good at humbling the competitor no matter what stage.  I remember Mom telling me the journey is the best part, and I can remember thinking, oh stuff it, I just want to win, but looking back I realize she was right.  The downs have been as ‘educational’ as the ups.

Public lakes or private lakes for pro competitions ?

Both.  I love the beauty and openness and community of public lakes, but the perfect water all day long on private lakes is not so bad…

iPod Music ... ?

All over the board.  Tori Amos to Timbaland, My Morning Jacket to Fergie…  Ryan Adams, KT Tunstall, Jai Uttal and Bhagavan Das (kirtan/yoga tunes), oh, and I am really loving Indian pop music right now!

Out of all the titles you have won, which was the most important ?

The last one.  It is fresh and motivating and is what I will use to keep this season moving in the direction that it has been.