American snowboarder Jamie Anderson (24) is a rock star of winter sport. Mark Price fires some questions at the Winter Olympic champion.
Q How valuable is the Winter Games to your training programme?
A It's really important. This is kind of the first real event of the new season, so all the North American shredders come down here to support the event and get back on the snow. It's one of my favourite places to visit.
Q How long have you been competing, and what has been your best win so far?
A I have been competing professionally since I was about 15, and definitely winning the Olympics was a highlight. That was pretty fun. It was really, really special to be able to participate in that event for my country.
Q What's your favourite mountain, and what makes it so good?
A My favourite mountain is Sierra at Lake Tahoe. That's where I learned how to snowboard. It's just like my total home resort where I get to see my friends and family.
Q Your online biography describes you as kind, graceful and ''ultra stylie''. Did you write that?
A No. That's so sweet. I try to be graceful and I'm really thankful that I get to do what I love. I come from a big family. I'm one of eight, and snowboarding's a really expensive sport so I think from the beginning I was always very thankful to have the opportunity. When I started getting sponsors, it was even cooler because they were supporting me within my dream. I can't believe I've been able to do so much in the last decade of competing professionally.
Q What's your major goal from here?
A I'm always striving to progress. I'm inspired by health and wellness, and I am studying yoga and Eastern medicine and learning to heal my body with natural remedies. I want to progress in my sport and in myself as a human being, and inspire people to do the same.
Q How many injuries have you had?
A Not too many, thankfully. My worst injury was probably [rupturing] my spleen when I was 17. It was honestly a blessing in disguise because I learned so much after that about my health and my organs. It really just kind of woke me up to take care of myself.
Q Which team are you supporting at the Rugby World Cup?
A New Zealand. I want to live here one day.
