"THERE WAS JUST NO TIME FOR A BREAK."

In part two of our interview, Lindsey talks about World Championship medals, Austrian desserts and her life with a cow.

What are your goals for 2006/2007, apart from a third win at your favourite downhill run in Lake Louis?

Obviously the World Ski Championships in Aare, where I'll be aiming for a medal in the downhill and Super-G. And maybe I'll receive another cow for winning a race...

As you did for winning in Val d’Isere! So what actually became of her?

I had her transported to Kirchberg in Austria, where I live with the team during the winter season. She's well looked-after there, and she can be near me as often as is possible!

You live half the time at home in the USA and the other half in Kirchberg. How at home do you feel at your "European base"?

Kirchberg has really become my second home. The atmosphere is great and the people are really nice to me. Of course, I also take a lot of personal stuff from the States with me in order to feel really at home: mainly loads of clothes and my books.

And vice versa, do you also take back a bit of European flair when you return to Park City in summer?

I tried to make "Kaiserschmarrn" - an Austrian dessert - for my family. But it went completely wrong! But on the other hand I make a really good "Wiener Schnitzel".

Last February, not even a bruised hip following a serious fall prevented you from competing in the Olympic downhill event. Are you generally a tough person?

I think I'm very goal-driven. The Olympic Games only take place every four years, and I wanted so much to be a part of it and to do my very best. I could never have forgiven myself for sitting around at the hospital whilst the others were battling it out for medals.

Your coaches confirm your "natural affinity for speed". Do you know what the highest speed you've ever achieved is during a downhill race or during training?

In Switzerland I got up to 84 miles per hour (135 km/h). But that's not so important, I'm more interested in the final time than the speed at a specific point.

You love reading. Are you familiar with John Irving's "The Water-Method-Man", which is partly about a blonde American skier who spends a lot of time in Austria?

Really? That's so cool. Of course I know John Irving, but I've never heard of this book. I think I'll go out and buy it right away...