Interview with Manny - November 2008

With the 2010 Olympics just around the corner, we think it's time for Canadians to get to know one of our brightest stars. Take a moment to read our interview with Manny to find out what makes him tick.

1. When and where did you start skiing?

I started skiing when I was about four years old. I started with the rope tow on Mount Seymour in North Vancouver, and then on to Whistler Mountain when I was about five. I was lucky enough that my grandpa owned an A-frame cabin on the creek side of Whistler, so I was able to get to the hill very quickly.

2. What was your first race? How old were you?

I have no idea how old I was when I first raced. I was just a kid; I didn't actually think this would be my career.

3. What's been the highpoint of your career so far?

My highpoint happened last year at Wengen in Switzerland. It's one of the two classic races we race every year: Kitzbuhel and Wengen. It's the longest course we race at just over two and a half minutes and somehow I managed to place third.

4. What's been the most memorable moment of your ski career?

My most memorable moment in ski racing isn't a good one. We had just had a week off of skiing because of weather. We were in Kitzbuhel, the hardest course we race each year. I was starting third and it was my first time racing this race. Since I was starting so early, I didn't get a chance to make any warm-up runs before my training run. All I had had was my hour and a half of inspecting and I had to go. This course starts out by going past the first gate at over 80 km, one turn then a 60 meter jump into a turny section, which you enter at just over 120km.

I don't ever want to miss a warm-up run again!

5. What's your favourite race?

My favourite race would be Wengen. It's just a wide open race with lots of features like going under a tunnel, jumping through a rock section and is very long. Plus the 50,000 fans that come watch that race have to take a train up to watch. It's exciting!

6. What's a typical training day like?

No training day is the same. It's different every time depending on what mountain we are at. Sometimes you've got to drive, sometimes it's snowing, sometime it's clear, then we train Downhill, Super G, and Giant Slalom -- they're all different.

7. What is your favourite race-day meal?

Whatever they're cooking at the hotel.

8. How do you prepare for a race?

I can't really say... just a lot of visualization. I'm prepared for everything and anything that can happen on the course. Except hitting the nets, you're never really prepared for that.

9. What sound from fans motivates you more? Cowbells, cheering or whistles...or?

You don't hear anything when you're going down the hill; it's always good when they're making noise in the finish area -- it usually means you've done well.

10. Do you like to sign autographs?

Sure why not? It's fun to see kids excited about that stuff!

11. Looking ahead to the Olympics next year in Vancouver, what are you most excited about?

The party I'm going to have after I have a podium finish!

12. Where's your favourite place to ski for fun?

My favorite mountain is definitely Big Mountain in Whitefish, Montana, it's just very chill and a cool little ski town.

13. Besides skiing, what are other interests do have?

When I'm not skiing I love to downhill mountain bike and surf. Mostly I spend all of my free time surfing, either on Vancouver Island or Maui.

14. Who is your favourite band?

I don't have a favorite band, and I only want to see a band that really wants to rock.

15. Favourite book?

Rich dad, Poor dad - a book about financial independence by Robert Kiyosaki and Sharon Lechter.

16. Favourite place you've visited in the world

The whole world is a beautiful place.

17. Place you'd like to visit in the world.

Monaco, for sure.

18. Favourite movie/actor?

The rock and bad boys 2 are pretty good.

19. Life after skiing - what are your aspirations?

I don't really know, I'm only 24 and life will lead and pull me into lots of different direction by the time I'm finished skiing

20. What advice do you have for kids who want to race?

Rock out, have fun, if it's a powder day, go powder skiing. There are lots of day to go on the gates. Skiing is supposed to be fun everyday.

21. Words to live by?

If it hurts, you are not dead!