By Kade Krichko, GrindTV

As far as X Games gold medalists go, Maddie Bowman is about as unassuming as they come.

The 19-year-old halfpipe skier doesn’t flaunt her accomplishments — two X Games medals and a handful of Dew Tour podiums, to name a few — and in many ways has retained a normal teenage identity. She graduated from South Tahoe High School in 2012 after captaining her school’s soccer team to a state championship, and, just like her classmates, went on to college, in Utah.

But while friends are rushing sororities and organizing pep rallies, the California native has stayed busy by pushing for a spot in the Sochi Winter Olympics — the first Olympic Games to include her sport. She is the face (and signature braid) of a young wave of competitors peaking at just the right time for Olympic success, but remains the coolest of customers on the competition circuit.

We got a chance to talk with her about life these days and what a shot at the Olympics would mean to the young skier with the easy smile. Here’s what she had to say:

You grew up in Tahoe; how did growing up in that community shape who you are today?

Growing up in Tahoe was one of the highlights of my childhood. It is a very down-to-earth and fun community. It has really taught me to appreciate the outdoors and take in every aspect of my adventures—something I learned from all my adventures at Sierra-at-Tahoe and throughout the summer.

Tahoe has also taught me to work very hard for my dreams because it has a very strong and successful middle class. I love where I grew up; it is truly the gem of the Sierra.

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