Sarah Conrad ‘getting ready for the chaos’

Sarah Conrad, the only female athlete from Nova Scotia to be competing in the upcoming 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympic Games, took some time out of her busy competition schedule to answer some questions over Facebook.

It's been a busy week for 24-year-old Sarah Conrad of Dartmouth. She spent last weekend in Stoneham, Que., competing in the World Cup, where she just missed the podium, coming in at fourth place in the women's snowboarding halfpipe. Afterward, she attended a news conference in Quebec City to announce the official selections for the Canadian Olympic snowboard team. Conrad and 17 teammates will be heading to the Olympics in less than two weeks to compete for gold.

Conrad was on the Canadian team at the 2006 Torino Olympics, so she has some experience already. Before she even sets foot in Vancouver, however, she still has the Winter X Games in Aspen, Colo., and the Burton Canadian Open in Calgary to attend.

Despite her busy schedule, Conrad made time for a quick Q&A with UNews over Facebook:

Q: What was your reaction when you first found out you were going to the Olympics?
Well, the qualification period started over a year ago, and as the contests went by, the results started coming in. I knew where I stood amongst the Canadian girls, so it wasn't a big surprise when the team was announced. I don't think there was really a moment that I realized I was going. I just landed some runs when it counted.

Q: When did you decide you wanted to compete in the Olympics?
I don't really think going to the Olympics is something that you decide. I started competing and worked my way up from there. When Vancouver won the bid, I really wanted to be a part of that, but going to Torino was a surprise, wasn't really a goal of mine until I made the team.

Q: You've performed at the Olympic Winter Games in Torino but how does it feel now that you'll be competing on home soil?
I'm assuming it will be very different. The focus will be on our every move and the crowds will be behind us. I can't wait.

Q: What was it like to compete in Torino?
Torino was fun. I was slightly injured so I landed a pretty safe run. I'll definitely try to step it up this year.

Q: How are you preparing mentally and physically for the upcoming Olympics?
We've got a lot of people behind us helping us get ready for the chaos. From physical trainers, to psychologists, to physiotherapists, to managers, to coaches. Everyone has a role to play and we all want the same thing - to win.

Q: What is your training regiment like?
Training starts at the gym, and depending on the time of year I might be in Vancouver or Halifax. We take some really hard slams when we ride, so if you're not in shape, you might not get back up. When I'm on snow, we try to ride four days, then take a day off, but the weather is also a determining factor.

Q: You're at the X games now - how do you stay focused in the moment when you've got so many things going on?
For me the X Games is just another stepping-stone on my way to Vancouver. This contest is similar to the Olympics just because it's such a big production. There are cameras, security, scaffolding, tents and athletes everywhere. Many of the riders that I'll meet up with in Vancouver are here competing as well, so it's good practice.

Q: What has been the best part about going to the Olympics so far?
The team was only announced two days ago, so not much has happened yet, just a lot of interviews and best wishes.

Q: What do you love about snowboarding?
I love travelling, being outside, the mountains, the people. The lifestyle is so relaxed and it's a whole lot of fun.

Q: What's the most difficult aspect of competing?
Riding when you might not want to. It's not always hot and sunny. Sometimes we have to throw down our comp runs in -40 C snowstorms.

Q: Do you have any superstitions when you compete? (...A lucky sock? or something?)
No, not really.

Q: What is going through your head right now as you think about heading off to the Olympics? (and, when exactly are you going?)
I have one more trick that I'd really like to learn before Vancouver, so that will be my focus once I'm in Calgary with the team. We'll leave Calgary and land in Vancouver on the 10th.

The Winter X Games started Jan. 28 in Aspen, and continue until Jan. 31. Results will be posted online. The Burton Canadian Open runs from Feb. 2-7. Conrad will be competing Freestyle in the half-pipe event at Cypress Mountain in West Vancouver on Feb. 18.

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