KELSEY SERWA

With so many accomplishments in the past season, what do you feel was your biggest moment?

My biggest moment in Ski Cross was winning X Games and World Championships back to back. But I had a huge crash over the last jump into the finish line at the X Games in Aspen, which left my body in a mess, so instead of training in Deer Valley along with the rest of my competitors, I decided to rest. One day before the World Championships race I could barely get out of bed. So it's a miracle I was able to push through the pain and finish on top of the podium.

Travelling all over the world to compete, as you do, what is your favorite place to race?

My favorite location on the circuit is Alpe D'Huez, France. The courses there have more of an X-Games feel to them, and the builders are not afraid to push the boundaries to try new features. There is an amazing pizza restaurant right beside our hotel too, and the views of the mountains are epic.

You mentioned your spectacular crash at the finish of the X-Games race to win gold. What more can you tell us about the race and finish?

The gate dropped in the final heat and I quickly found myself side-by-side with Ophelie David (four-times Games gold medalist) and Fanny Smith of Switzerland. I was able to pass both of them through the twisting bank turns and lead the way down the rest of the course. I knew we were going faster heading into the finish jump. My natural instinct was to stand up to ditch some speed, but I knew the other girls weren't too far behind and would be fighting for the finish line. I fought all my instincts and literally chucked myself off the jump. As soon as I took off, I knew I wasn't in a good position and could feel myself getting pushed back. Once I realized there was no possible way to land on my feet, I totally relaxed and let the ground come up to me. The medical people at the finish ran to my side and kept asking me, "What hurts?" All I could say was - "Did I win?"

What is your ultimate goal to accomplish in Ski Cross?

My ultimate goal to accomplish in ski cross is to become the overall World Cup champion and Olympic champion.

What attribute do you think a young racer wanting to enter the sport most needs in order to be successful?

A young racer interested in getting involved with Ski Cross needs a strong background in Alpine racing. Free skiing is also important, as skiing through trees helps with picking out lines and looking ahead, while hitting jumps will help with control and becoming comfortable in the air. The most important thing is to have fun with it!

You are characterized as "fearless and aggressive" by ESPN. Would you feel that accurately characterizes the way you race?

I think "fearless and aggressive" characterizes the way I race, but not necessarily my personality. In my first season racing Ski Cross, I found myself crashing more often than finishing. My style was all or nothing and I wasn't worried about the repercussions. Luckily, I have learned how to fall in a way that prevents me from getting injured…most of the time anyway!

With Descente making the race suits, what can you tell us about how the race-wear helps in you achieving such great results?

At this level, every little bit helps. As athletes, we are always trying to get the best equipment, the best coaches, the best medical team and so on. In a sport where a millisecond can differentiate between first and second place, it is extremely important to gain every advantage possible. Descente has given us this advantage by creating the fastest suits made from the best materials.