People find it hard to understand how I can risk ruining my career as a musician by injuring myself on the slopes, but I've always been a tomboy.

For example, I loved English and history at school. I would have loved to have done a degree in either. But my Mom said I didn't have time for university.

People find it hard to understand how I can risk ruining my career as a musician by injuring myself on the slopes, but I've always been a tomboy.

I could have taken the easy life and just done classical, but I felt very strongly about the album, my first pop album, the first time that I'd fused so many influences. I was very proud when it was in the charts in 25 countries at once.

To even get to the Olympics, I have to qualify for the 2013 World Championships and the standard is high. I know I am always going to be a few points behind the top guys.

Kids can be born with potential but unless it's encouraged - pushed, even - I don't think it will ever come to fruition.

I started skiing around the same time as I began playing the piano, at around four, before moving to the violin at five.