The best way to protect your own freedom is to watch everybody else's back. That's the essence of community.

The only mental games in ski racing is the mental game against yourself. Is the whole goal of life preserving your life as long as you can? No. The goal is to enjoy your life, challenge yourself, to sometimes make stupid decisions-which are sometimes fun and sometimes idiotic and sometimes just a big fat mistake you regret.

I really am a thinker. I don't do things rash. I know some of the things I've said or the way I act seem rash. But I do take ownership of it. I don't say things I don't mean.

The way I judge myself is not on how many World Cups I can win in a row.

I have an eight-year-old girl and she does have some appreciation for fashion, but she's stuck in that: "Oh my God, this is cute" phase, so when I go shopping with her and my wife, I can only last about 10 minutes before I have to start exploring other parts of the store.

Join the bold, the brazen, the unintimidated. Join not having excuses. Join the idea that fun is the source of all joy. Join the unwillingness to give up. Join doing things your way. Join not joining. Join that purpose is stronger than outcome. Join your gut. Join the constant challenge of seeking greatness. Join play. Join the hunger to find what makes you happy. Join karma and nature and the effect you have on your world. Join your philosophy. Join something bigger than you. Join what you believe.

Ski racers are built odd with overbuilt butts and legs.