Winner's Circle
1/5Résumé: 2007 World Cup gold medalist; 2007 FIS Snowboard World Championship gold medalist; 2006 Olympic silver medalist.
Skill Set: "I love snowboardcross [a four-person downhill snowboard race]! I enjoy the intense racing aspect, plus the added challenge of tackling all of the jumps and turns on the course. There are a lot of elements that contribute to who ends up being the winner it's not a simple, straight-to-the-finish-line race."
Early Start: "When I was ten, I entered a local snowboardcross series that was held every Friday night. But they didn't have a 12-and-under girls division, so I competed against guys in the 12-and-under boys division. I was scared a little at first, but it made me become a really tough competitor."
Mind Games: "This past January, when I reclaimed my World Championship title, many people were hyping up what had happened at the 2006 Olympics. [She fell on the last jump of the snowboardcross course, costing her the gold medal.] Feeling like I had to prove myself over and over again was tedious. I had to get those thoughts about what happened in the past out of my head and focus on the future."
Cool Comforts: "I eat healthy to keep my energy up, but I admit I do always keep a Snickers bar in my bag during competitions. For some reason, it helps ease my nerves!"
Hidden Talent: "I really enjoy acrylic painting. My dad got me a cool oil paint set, but I haven't had a chance to try it out yet."
2/5Résumé: 2005 Closed Nationals U15 winner; 2004/2003 Junior Olympics U15 winner; 2003 Scottish Junior Open U13 winner
Squash 101: "It's kind of similar to tennis, in that it's a racquet sport played on a court. But you and your opponent take turns hitting the ball against a wall, and instead of aiming over a net, you have to make sure the ball lands in between a set of two lines."
Busy Body: "Right now, I'm worrying about the SAT's as well as working on my senior year independent study project on hedge fund journalism. Squash doesn't add stress to my life, though-it's more of an outlet for it."
Campus Bound: "I definitely am going to college after graduation next year. I'm really into Spanish, math, and psychology. And I think I might want to be a news anchorwoman. I'll probably try to go pro after college, but for now, education is my first priority."
Style Setter: "I like white Nike striped skirts, and the Ralph Lauren Polo shirts with the numbers embroidered on the arm. Off the court, I love Marc Jacobs! I have an awesome black quilted MJ bag that I got last winter."
Lady Luck: "I wear ribbons in my hair at every game-it's kind of a ritual. It all started when my mom used to dress me up and put them in my hair when I was little. Now, I have all different colors and styles that I choose from."
3/5Résumé: [Kathia] 2007 regional champion in 400, 800 M, and 4x400; [Katrina] 2007 regional champion in 400, 1600 M, 4x400.
Girl Power: "Back in middle school, my sister and I always raced the boys-we were really competitive!" says Katrina.
Peak Performance: "I'm better at pacing the beginning of the race, and Katrina is better at pacing the end," says Kathia. "So, we run together and push each other, but without having to say anything. We understand, just by watching the other person, when one of us thinks we need to pick up the pace."
Down Time: "We run six days a week," says Katrina. "It's difficult sometimes to have a social life, but I like to go to the movies, go to the beach, and just relax with my friends whenever possible. These are my high school years-I need to live it up!"
Personal Playlist: "I'm into all different kinds of music, from Snow Patrol to John Mayer to Mary J. Blige-everything, except screaming heavy metal!" says Kathia.
4/5Résumé: Current World Record-holder in the 400 IM; three-time gold medalist at the 2005 World Championships; 2005 USA Swimming Female Athlete of the Year; 2005 United States Olympic Committee Sportswoman of the Year.
Magic Moment: "My greatest career highlight thus far was breaking the World Record in the 400 IM at the 2007 World Championships in Australia. I felt shocked, elated, and overwhelmed-all at the same time! It was a goal of mine to break a world record for many years, so to finally have it come true was incredible."
Balancing Act: "I have ten swim practices a week, and I travel for meets and public appearances. Though my schedule is pretty busy, I make time to have a social life and hang out with friends. I think the key to tackling a busy schedule is to get enough sleep and eat healthy."
On-Air Aspiration: "I love to write in my free time and am very interested in going to school for either journalism or broadcasting. My dream job would be to write for a major sports magazine or website."
Public Service: "I'm co-captain of Team Playtex Sport with Olympic soccer player Abby Wambach, which is really exciting for me. Girls can submit an essay about the importance of confidence on the Playtex Sport website, and they'll reward a winner every month with a $2,500 scholarship for college and a matching amount that she can donate to her favorite non-profit organization. It's a great way for me to help other girls believe in themselves and pay for their educations!"
Coming Soon: "My next big goal is to make the 2008 Olympic Team. If I make the team, I really want to get a gold medal for the USA. I'm training better than ever and really focusing in on refining the little things in the pool. I'm feeling really confident right now."
5/5Résumé: Member of 2007 champion U.S. Solheim Cup team; in 2006, became the fastest player in LPGA history to cross the $2 million mark in career earnings; 2005 Rookie of the Year; 2005 Sybase Classic winner; 2005 Evian Masters winner.
Daddy's Girl: "My family lived right on a golf course, and I'd often tag along with my dad when he'd play. Once I started taking lessons and playing myself, he always kept it fun, which was very important in my early years learning the game. Actually, it's still true today!"
Iron Will: "The Solheim Cup is a biennial competition comprised of the top twelve players from Europe playing against the top twelve players from the United States. I love representing my country, so I really wanted to be on the 2005 team. The problem for me at that time, though, was that players earn points over a two-year period to get on the team-and I had just turned pro, so I only had eight months! Some folks probably thought I couldn't do it, but guess what? I did it!"
Phys Ed: "I work out 5-6 times a week. I have a bunch of energy to begin with, so working out helps me release it. I suggest everyone stay active as much as possible, even if it sports aren't your job. It makes for a healthier body in the long term, both mentally and physically!"
Sun Savvy: "I never go out without sunscreen-even if it's kind of cloudy. I don't want my skin to feel and look like leather years from now. Wearing sunglasses is also important! A lot of eye damage can be caused by continued exposure to the sun over time."
On Location: "I like being outside, and a golf course is a very scenic place. How many people can say the beautiful outdoors is their office?"
