CHRIS DEL BOSCO

When you made the switch to Ski Cross, you really put your own stamp on the sport. What was it that set Ski Cross apart from other Alpine events for you?

The head to head racing is what sets it apart. Everyone is dealing with the exact same conditions, and the first one down wins.

Do you feel there is a different atmosphere when competing in a Ski Cross race compared with Alpine?

I think Ski Cross is quite different. You have three other skiers who are trying to beat you down the hill, so you can feel the energy in the air. Anything can happen. In Alpine, it's just you against the clock - you control the outcome. They are at opposite ends of the spectrum.

You have enjoyed enormous success since you underwent surgery last year, after the Olympic Games. Was your physical condition a factor in your Vancouver Olympic performance? And can we now expect even better things next season?

I had been dealing with the knee for most of the two seasons leading up to Vancouver. The biggest issue was that I couldn't do a lot of strength and conditioning work in the off-season to prepare for the racing season. I don't think it was a huge factor in the actual event - you kind of block that stuff out. My body is 100% now, so hopefully I will be able to build on my success from last season.

Ski Cross attracted enormous publicity at the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver. Has that given the sport a boost, and where do you see the event going at the Sochi Olympics in 2014?

I think we saw a definite boost. It put Ski Cross on the map. A lot of the strong ski nations in Europe are putting together big programs now and growing the sport. Hopefully it will be THE event to watch in Sochi.

The team has won the Crystal Globe for team performance, and this would rank Canada as the Number One team in Ski Cross. How do you feel about such an accomplishment?

It is a huge accomplishment. It shows the depth of our team. We had a few injuries, but the rest of the team just stepped up to get the job done. Just wait until everyone is healthy!

You are now a hero to a generation of young, up-and-coming Ski Crossers. Who were your idols in the world of skiing when you were growing up? Was there anyone you most wanted to be like?

I grew up looking up to the Alpine greats of the 80's and 90's. My favorite was the Italian, Alberto Tomba.

You and your team-mates all wear Descente racing suits. Do you think Descente gives you a competitive advantage?

Definitely. Descente has worked closely with our team over the last few years to develop the best racing suits in the world.

In preparation for an event, do you have any special routine you follow before you race? Do you listen to favorite music, or have any other particular habits?

I don't really have anything special that I do. I can joke around right up until the start, but when I get in the gate , I turn everything else off and its "game on".

What do you do to stay fit during the summer? Do you take part in any other competitive sports events to help you to stay sharp?

I race Downhill mountain bikes professionally. I have always been a two-sport athlete. I think the skill sets from both sports cross over really well, and that a lot of the success in Ski Cross is due to the time I spend on the bike.

What advice can you give to anyone striving to achieve their goals?

For me, the best thing to do is break the goals down into smaller segments. This way you are always making progress. It's easy for me to get overwhelmed by the end goal so I focus today on what needs to get done today.

The media has often used the nickname "The Enforcer" for you. Where did it come from? Do you have any other nicknames?

Most of my teammates just call me "Del". Brian "BigBad" Bennett gave me the nickname "Enforcer" and it has kind of stuck. I think it's because I throw it all on the line when I race and don't back down.