Once the season starts for me, there isn't a change in my focus, just a change in my tactics and strategies.

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

The same people who recognize I came out with no medals should recognize I could have won three.

There's been times when I've been in really tough shape at the top of the course. Talk about a hard challenge right there. I mean, if you ever tried to ski when you're wasted, it's not easy. Try and ski a slalom when … you hit a gate less than every one a second, so it's risky, you know. You're putting your life at risk there. It's like driving drunk only there's no rules about it in ski racing.

At this point in my career, I have the privilege of choosing my partners. In the beginning, you more or less take what comes in the door - or what matches up with your brand. But you're always subject to what's available, especially in the ski world where there are not infinite choices, especially on the fashion side.

I simply think things through, and I look at problems. One thing I pride myself on is the ability to connect unconnected thoughts and come up with new, unique thoughts.

From 1999 to 2003 was the peak of equipment in ski racing. Since then, it's all gone in the wrong direction.