Interviewers: Melanie Cabassol, Michael Gilligan, Kristen Caiazzo, Emily Weigand, Christie Icenhower, Steven LoBue, Rachel Pichacz, Sami Schlachterman, Karen Upperco and Ryan Hunt.

What do you think about before a big dive?

I try not to think to much, and I try to keep a clear mind.

How often do you train?

I train 5 days a week in the water, 2 times weight training, 2 days of cardio, and I roller blade for at least an hour every day. So usually it’s like 20 hours a week.

What was it like doing your first dive in the Olympics?

Well, it was pretty intense. All the bleachers were filled with at least 13,000 people. My heart was pumping so fast and my legs were shaking. Its not that I was nervous it was just so exciting and I had so much energy in me at the time.

What’s your favorite dive?

I would have to say my full out. Right now.

Are you working on any new dives?

Yeah, I’m working on my gainer 2 ½ pike, and most likely my front 3 ½.

What board do you prefer?

3 meter definitely.

Does being at the Olympics help your diving?

It was a goal so it really helped because you saw what it took to be there and if I do go to 2004 I feel like I have that experience under my belt.

How long have you been diving?

For 15 years.

Did you ever feel intimidated by the other divers out there?

No, I thought our chance for a medal was great- if you have that positive attitude you can do anything.

Have you had any hero divers?

No, I never really had any hero divers. I just enjoyed the sport and watching it on t. v.

Do you think you’ll ever get a gold?

I think. You Ota believe it before you do it. Keep a positive attitude towards it.

Is it hard to have any boyfriends while you are diving?

Yeah, diving takes a lot of time but yet if you find someone really cool, it can work out.

Do people in the streets recognize you?

No, not really. Right after the games some people recognized me at restaurants in my home city and they used to come up to congratulate me but that’s about it.

What about your friends?

They’re mainly on the team, some are swimmers, But as to my friends out of diving its tough because of all of our different schedules. Divers and swimmers are on the same schedule.

Do you miss a lot of classes?

Yeah, but if you introduce yourself before hand to the professors they begin to understand.

What’s your major?

Management and finance, but she intends to go to grad school for communication.

Do you plan to stay in diving?

I don’t see how I can ever just leave the sport. I mean I’ve been involved in it my whole life, I don’t think I could just leave like that. I’ll still be involved with it to keep in touch with everything going on but I probably won’t be a coach.

Do you have trouble learning and doing new dives?

Not really I just go. Usually I ask to do the new harder dives. I don’t really think much about it. If you keep a positive attitude most of the time, it all just comes to you.

Interviewers: Melanie Cabassol, Michael Gilligan, Kristen Caiazzo, Emily Weigand, Christie Icenhower, Steven LoBue, Rachel Pichacz, Sami Schlachterman, Karen Upperco and Ryan Hunt.