Gretchen Bleiler
SI caught up with the 24-year-old halfpipe queen, who after taking golds at this winter's X Games, Gravity Games and U.S. Open, won Best Trick last week at the Arctic Challenge in Troms√∏, Norway.
Body painting [She posed for the February 2004 cover of FHM wearing only a brushed-on bikini]: It was very strange, but I was glad I did it.
Terri Schiavo: I don't know who that is. I've been in a little chalet in Switzerland this whole time.
Jen and Brad's divorce: So sad. You would think those two would last, but they didn't.
Drugs in snowboarding: I think it's lame. It's a waste. I definitely look down upon it.
Skiers: Freestyle skiers are definitely pushing it. I accept them.
Shaun White: Smooth, style-ly. Just kills it all around.
Backcountry vs. halfpipe: I like them both. [Halfpipe] contests have always been something I've done. I get the most pleasure and satisfaction from them.
Best-looking snowboarder: Chris Hottel [her boyfriend].
Summer plans: Because it's the year before the Olympics, I'll definitely do a lot more snowboarding than usual. I'll spend a month in New Zealand to train at a snow park.
Turin Olympics: Hope I go.
COLOR PHOTO
JACK DEMPSEY/AP (BLEILER INSET)
COLOR PHOTO
KEN LEVINE/WIREIMAGE.COM (BLEILER)
GOLDEN GIRL
Halfpipe ace Bleiler is shooting for gold at the Winter Games in Turin.