Which are your objectives?

My goals for Torino, are to enjoy and learn from the experience. I am only skating the 3000m relay, where I hope to skate strong for the team. My goal is to stay relaxed and smooth. Other than that, I will be in the moment and soaking everything up!

Which Olympic sport do you most want to watch at the Olympics?

My mom and brother will be there to support and cheer me on! Upon any free time, I hope to be present at most sports.

What is your best and worst experience in speed skating?

My worst experience probably would be having terrible Olympic trials in 2002. I was battling a ongoing knee problem, where I later had knee surgery on the day of the Opening ceremonies for the 2002 Olympic Games.

Also, In October 2004, I was competing in Beijing, China at World Cup. Where I was skating the 3000m relay, when I fell and Fractured T-1 and C-5 in my back. I spent eight days in three different hospitals, in Beijing, and Hong Kong.

My best experience probably would be making the 2006 Olympic team, After breaking my back, I physically and mentally had a lot of work ahead of me, to prepare myself for the upcoming Olympic trails.

Advice

What do you do before a race to concentrate?

Breathe!!! I watch my breathing and focus on what I want to accomplish in each race.

What do you eat before a race or competition?

I tend to not eat very much before and during my races.

First part of the interview here

Photo: Maria Garcia, Marquette, Michigan - Short track World Cup, October 2003
Crédit: Stéphanie Lambert