Mar 1, 2010
Interview by Katie Crafts...
You might have heard about Julia Mancuso after her 2006 Olympic Gold in Giant Slalom. Or maybe after her 2007 3rd place finish in the World Cup overall title, which shattered a 23 year record for women skiers. Or you may have seen her posing as the first ever Lange Girl Athlete—in panties, bra and ski boots. But did you know that this 25-year-old Maui skier also windsurfs? While you’re daydreaming about summer waves this winter, be sure to check her out at the upcoming Vancouver Olympics as she defends her title.
How do you stay motivated after achieving something as big as the Olympics gold? What motivates you now, and what does success mean to you?
Good question, really. My motivation on a daily basis comes from keeping balanced, doing what I love and loving what I do. I love to stay fit and healthy, so that naturally fits in with being a competitive athlete. However, more so than just putting my head down, pointing my horns forward and plowing through everything and everyone that gets into my way, I am much more a “flow with the day” kind of person. Yes, I love to win and I do consider myself a competitive person, but in the end when I look back on my life, I want to have experienced the varying richness that it has to offer. Far beyond just winning, media attention, adoring fans and the accolades there lay experiences that I want. Staying one dimensional and solely focused on winning forever and a day would take away from those experiences. That’s ultimately what success means to me: having lived a full life that’s been authentic.
Your teammates on the US Women’s Ski team are also seeing great results and plenty of media exposure, especially Lindsey Vonn. How do you and your team keep the competition healthy on and off the slopes?
There is no denying the amazing rush that follows winning and the resulting attention. It’s really such an amazing privilege to experience, and I am so happy for anyone who gets to live it. Such a small percentage of people ever get to be in that position! I am happy for my team mates who experience the limelight. As long as I remember that success is measured on such a broad spectrum of criteria, then the “competition” aspect doesn’t get in my way of a healthy relationship. Besides, jealousy is not a good feeling! Purging that from the inventory of emotions is a good idea for everyone!
Your ski coach, Jim Tracy, competes in the Gorge Cup Windsurfing Race Series. There’s also skiing in the summer up on Mt. Hood. Any chance we’ll see you in the Gorge anytime soon?
Well, seeing as though I like to just go with the wind and travel where my heart desires, you might just see me up at the Gorge again! For sure I loved that place as a kid and would be nice to return as an adult (or whatever I am now).
Keep following Julia Mancuso's career at juliamancuso.net!
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