By: Simon
After years of dominating mountain cross, Jill Kintner has switched back to knee injury and rust (she hadn't competed in BMX for several years), Jill won the U.S. Olympic Trials last month. We interviewed this gold medal favorite!
Simon: How excited are you for your first Olympics?
Jill Kintner: Any time a new sport is added to the Olympics, it is unbelievably special to be a part of. This experience has been unlike any other.
Simon: Do you get nervous before you compete?
Jill Kintner: Yeah a bit, but it's more like your body getting ready to go, think you need that.
Simon: Are you going to be dissapointed if you get anything but gold?
Jill Kintner: No, I mean a medal is clearly the goal, but every bit of the journey has been valuable.
Simon: It seems like you go back and forth between BMX biking and mountain cross. Which one do you like better?
Jill Kintner: I do both, yes, but I focus on one or the other. Right now I am committed to BMX 'til the Olympics. I love all bikes, so that's hard to say. They all have a different purpose.
Simon: What was it like trying to get back into BMX shape?
Jill Kintner: It's a lot more power based. So less endurance more intensity.
Simon: Is the knee injury still a big concern?
Jill Kintner: Not a concern, I have to deal with what I've got. It is just the way these things go. I will get it fixed in September or October.
Simon: What things are you trying to work on before the Olympics start?
Jill Kintner: Going faster, getting stronger.
Simon: You live in Australia in the winter. Why do you chose to stay there to train?
Jill Kintner: Because the riding is good, winters are warm, and my boyfriend is an Aussie.
Simon: When you're not training, what do you like to do for fun?
Jill Kintner: Explore the world, make art, learn, talk to interesting people, read, be outside, snowboard, tennis, golf, hiking, hang out, etc.
Simon: You were a great athlete growing up and played a variety of sports. What made you choose mountain biking and BMX over other sports?
Jill Kintner: I love it so much. Bike riding is freedom.
Simon: What sort of advice would you have for people interested in persuing a career in BMX or Mountaincross?
Jill Kintner: Nothing worth having is easy, enjoy the ride!
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