
Elena Hight, is a rising star in 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 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 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 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 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 snowboarding.
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