My dad got me a huge board when I was little. He loves to surf. He suited me up and sent me out on this huge wave. I went under, and when I came out and the board hit me in the face. So I said, I never wanted to do this again. I stayed away until I was 13.

I didn't want to make a game unless I felt in the position to make something new and different.

I knew there was a certain level that I could get to within the sporting world. But as I continued with my career, not only did I grow, but the sport grew. All of a sudden, all of these doors opened to me. It's been amazing. I guess I was born at the right time.

I'm proud of the U.S.A. We've done some amazing things. To wear our flag in the Olympics is an honor.

I've had dreams about tricks.

When kids come up to me and say. 'I want to be like you,' it fires me up. It's pretty cool.

I didn't set out to beat the world; I just set out to do my absolute best.