Elena Hight Interview

Courtesy of EXPN

Courtesy of EXPN

Elena Hight, is a rising star in half pipe snowboarding. The teen sensation was the first female to land a 900 in the pipe and has competed at the past three Winter X Games. She talked to Kidzworld about going big in the pipe and her chances for qualifying for the 2006 Winter Olympics.

Simon: When did you start snowboarding?
Elena Hight: My dad taught me when I was six and we were living in Boise, Idaho. Not long after I started entering in USA Snowboarding competitions and when I was 13, I got picked up by Burton to be sponsored.

Simon: Do you do any other sports now?
Elena Hight: I mostly just concentrate on snowboarding at the moment. When I was younger, I did gymnastics, which has really helped me with my boarding. It's helped me with my body awareness in the air and my flexibility.

Simon: How do you train and prepare for a big event like the X Games or US Olympic qualifying?
Elena Hight: I pretty much ride and train every day. Before and during a race, I listen to music to help me block other things out, like the crowds. Blocking stuff out so you can concentrate on your run is a big thing.

Simon: So what are you listening to in your iPod these days?
Elena Hight:I've been listing to hip hop, oldies like Led Zeppellin and Guns 'N Roses... and some guilty pleasures like Ashley Simpson and Kelly Clarkson.

Simon: Do you have any sort of favorite pre-snowboarding meal you like to eat?
Elena Hight: I love breakfast - big breakfasts like waffles, pancakes, eggs and hasbrowns.

Simon: How do you find time for school when you spend so much time snowboarding?
Elena Hight: I travel a lot, so I do home schooling. Homeschooling can be tough because sometimes you'd rather just sit around and watch TV, rather than do school work. But I'm pretty pushed and I think education is important, so I make sure I get done what needs to be done.

Simon: What event would you rather compete in - the X Games or the Winter Olympics?
Elena Hight: They're both really great events. The X Games is a blast and it's fun to be able to go every year. It would also be really amazing and cool to represent the country at the Olympic Games.

Simon: What advice would you give to kids looking to become a pro snowboarder?
Elena Hight: Always keep riding and keep having fun. Girls snowboarding has been progressing a lot in the past few years. We've taken huge steps, there's a lot more publicity and women have been stepping up the riding and made big strides. It's a great time for girls to get into snowboarding.

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