By: SimonAfter years of dominating mountain cross, Jill Kintner has switched back to BMX in order to compete in the sport's Olympic debut in August 2008. Despite a nagging 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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