Photo: Blotto photo
Kelly Clark - always poised.In the realm of women's snowboarding there's no one more dominating than Kelly Clark. When she's on her game, a lethal combination of amplitude, technical difficulty and boned out style make her almost unbeatable. Her gold medal at the 2002 Olympic Games, numerous top finishes on the Burton Global Open Series, Grand Prix's and Dew Tour events, are proof enough. And with the 2010 Vancouver Games bearing down on snowboarding's top pros the pressure is on. Kelly showed little signs of stress however, when she delivered a first place performance at the US Snowboarding Grand Prix at Copper Mountain, the first stop of a five stop series that will determine who represents the USA at the Winter Games in February. Despite her busy schedule BNQT had the chance to get a few insights from Kelly on her path to the podium.

- James Sullivan

Pro File: Kelly Clark

Kelly has your approach to competition evolved at all over the years?
I have grown and learned a lot over my years of competing. I find it is easiest to keep it fun and stay focused on you and not what is going on around you.

Are there any dark horse up and comers that make you nervous?
There are some great riders coming up and I look forward to seeing them progress.

Both Hannah Teter and Torah Bright were conspicuously absent in the Grand Prix, does that affect your game plan in the final?
I focus on myself and I find it works better for me. I do not make decisions based on what is going on around me.
Photo: Chip Kalback
Kelly blasts off at the Copper Grand Prix.
What are your thoughts on the double corks the guys are doing?
I think the double corks are impressive.

What's the next milestone for women's progression?
This is changing every day and I enjoy being part of it. I do not know where it will go next.

What's your strategy to stay grounded in the face of the Olympic headwind?
I focus on the task at hand, set goals and accomplish them, and most of all I am looking to have fun.

The holidays are here - what's Christmas in the Clark family like?
It is fun to be home with family. Lots of food, people and fun times.

What's on your wish list for Santa?
A new coffee table!
Photo: Chip Kalback
Kelly Clark atop the podium at Copper Grand Prix
If you were to win Gold Medal in Vancouver, what would that mean to you?
It would be a dream fulfilled, it would be really fun.