You know the best thing about competition? There's this whole strategy game, and when it all works out its like solving that hard math equation. You finally get the answer and you're so happy.

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'd love to try and get a summer and winter gold medal-that would be amazing.

I usually eat a pretty big steak the night before I compete.

I couldn't do my homework if my room wasn't clean. And it has carried on now that I am older, in a very freakish way.

You show up at the Olympics, and you're no longer you; you're an American Olympian. You're part of this greater whole, and the individual doesn't matter.

There's always room for improvement, but the judges are looking for big airs and stylish tricks.