Athlete Spotlight: Steven Nyman

Steven Nyman, born and bred in Utah, was skiing at age two (Dad ran the ski school at Sundance) and was a discretionary pick for the 2002 Junior Worlds squad where he landed two medals. Coaches were so impressed, they entered him in a World Cup slalom six days later and he finished 15th to launch his U.S. Ski Team career. To read on to see what makes Nyman tick.

Sport:  Alpine skiing
Hometown: Sundance, UT
Current Location:  A random couch somewhere.
School: Earth
How/when did you decide you wanted to compete: After the Albertville Olympics I really wanted to race. But I have been competing with my brothers ever since I was born.
Biggest accomplishment in your career so far: The World Cup DH win in Val Gardena in 2006.
Goals for next season: Get back on track healthy and firing on all cylinders.
Favorite snow destination:  Sundance. It's beautiful, great skiing and not crowded.
Favorite non-snow destination: Southern UT in the red rocks or desert. Somewhere, it is so quiet and desolate that it makes me feel small and huge at the same time.
If you weren't a professional athlete what would you be: An artist of some sort.
Time you've been most scared in your life: When I was in a shark cage off Maui.
What you do you when you are not training or competing: Sleeping or eating, occasionally reading.
Biggest vice: Cheese
Biggest pet peeve: Non timed street lights.
Advice to others who want to follow in your footsteps: The grass is greenest where you water it.