 This country music-loving, Boise, Idaho native goes by the nickname, "Speedy." In 2002, Peterson placed ninth in the Salt Lake City Olympics. Since then, he's come to dominate his event. He won his first World Cup overall crown in 2005 and is expected to rule the slopes in Turin.
TFK: You placed ninth in the 2002 Olympics and now you're ranked as the top freestyle aerialist (or skier) in the world. How are you feeling heading into the 2006 Games in Turin?
Peterson: Mentally, I feel great going into the Games and can't wait to get there. There is quite a bit of training in preparation for Turin that we still have though, so that is going to be front and center on my mind for now. Physically, it has been quite a long season and my body is starting to break down a little bit but that is why we travel with physical therapists!
TFK: How is being an aerialist different from other types of skiing in terms of what you have to do to train?
Peterson: Any sport that you train for has a lot of similarities in the training regimen. Eating healthy, working on building muscle by working out in a gym and actually performing the sport you are involved in. For aerials, we jump into a swimming pool in the summer in Park City, Utah.
TFK: I read that you began skiing at the age of seven. What led you to get involved with skiing at such an early age?
Peterson: I took skiing as an after-school activity to give me something to do that was productive with my time.
TFK: As a kid, how did you balance your time with school and family with your commitment to skiing?
Peterson: I did a lot of homework on the road. That was one of the hardest parts of being a young athlete. I was cramped up in my room while my friends were out playing. Fortunately enough of my teachers and the administration at my school were lenient enough with me to work with my schedule.
TFK: What do you think kids should know about freestyle skiing and other extreme sports?
Peterson: The professional athletes that you see on television have practiced for many years and use many steps to get to where they are. Anybody can also do these sports as well but know that it takes a long time to get to the top of anything, whether it be a mountain, career or sport.
TFK: You dedicate a lot of time to Special Olympics, Big Brothers Big Sisters, and other organizations. Why do you donate so much time to these causes?
Peterson: I have received help along the way in my career from people doing good deeds. People volunteering to make me a better person...either teaching me a new part of life or helping me out financially, as there wasn't a whole lot of money in my family when I started skiing. That is why I love to give back to the community. You never know what will come from your generosity.
TFK: What's something about you that people would be surprised to learn?
Peterson: That I play the harmonica and love country music! I also have a broken elbow and have for years!
TFK: What advice would you give to a kid who wants to achieve a goal?
Peterson: Never give up! These are the most important three words I was ever taught. Believe in yourself and never give up.
By Kennedy Ficks
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