Gretchen Bleiler

I'm so grateful for all the experiences I've had; the life lessons I've learned along the way are just completely invaluable.

I think snowboarders have a unique experience when it comes to the Olympics because we have a pretty frequent competition circuit in addition to the games. So it's not a sport where your big moment is just once every four years.

The first few years I was competing, I'd ride so well in practice, then choke and fall in competition. Now I take a deep breath and say, 'Look at me. I'm outside. I'm doing what I love'. Still, nothing's matched the pressure I felt standing at the top of the halfpipe for the first time at the Olympics.

When you choose to take the road less traveled, it can sometimes be a bumpy ride along the way, but if you're doing it for the right reasons, then the reward is so great.

I typically have breakfast, have a snack, have lunch, have a snack, and have dinner.

I run on the beach, surf, and bike.

If you're stressed at work, or before a competition, or if you need to be energized, or relaxed, there's so many scents that kind of take you there.

I learned a few years ago that balance is the key to a happy and successful life, and a huge part of achieving that balance is to instill rituals into your everyday life — a nutritious balanced diet, daily exercise, time for yourself through meditation, reading, journaling, yoga, daily reflection, and setting goals.

I've learned that you have to make careful choices because everything has an impact. I've also learned that you can't please everyone in life, so please yourself and figure out what really matters.

I've had cumulative concussions and realized that's something you carry with you.

With the new year comes a refueled motivation to improve on the past one.

There will always be another email to get through; something to clean up, file, and organize; more errands to do. Which is why balance is so important. Life is a marathon, not a sprint.

It sucks. When you're a woman in sports, people want you to show some skin.

As long you are doing what you love and making decisions from the heart, you will be successful.

I love songs with a lot of confidence.

Jumping on the trampoline for even a half an hour is a really good workout. You get really tired. The next day, you're feeling it. And you really have to use your core. If you don't, your lower back hurts the next day.

It takes a village to earn a spot representing your country, and I know that every single person who helped me get to the Olympics was also touched by the dream. The web of inspiration is incredible. Because of this, I know that the core principles and spirit of what the Olympics stand for are worth protecting.

My family moved to Aspen, Colorado, where we had 'Avalanche Danger' days that kept us from going to school, climbed 14,000-foot peaks as part of my education, and I learned to snowboard.