Today, decide on a risk that you have been contemplating taking. Make a list of the pros and cons so you can weigh the outcome and see if the threat is worth it.

Aerial skiers are all apprehensive every time we make our way down the unstable plastic material launching us into the summer training pool.

Many people think that because I took part in an individual -- versus team -- sport, there wasn't a teamwork element. I absolutely guarantee that I wouldn't have my Olympic medal if I didn't know how to find, rely on and get help from many people around me.

It was always the memory of those athletes that helped me persevere through hard times and push past insurmountable obstacles -- and believe me, there were many. And ten years later, I was walking into my own Olympic Opening Ceremonies.

I applaud the Ryan Lochtes, Justin Gatlins and Lolo Joneses for never giving up. I congratulate their parents for letting them believe these Olympic "pipe dreams" are possible. And I thank all the critics for unknowingly pushing these athletes to prove you wrong.

Whether I was feeling sick, the site wasn't up to par, I didn't have enough sleep or there was poor weather, I still had to imagine it was the day of the big event. I had to prepare for the unexpected.

With just over three months to the Summer Olympics in London, many people are picking their favorites to win bronze, silver and gold. As I recall my own experiences leading into my second Olympic games, I've learned not to count out the media's underdogs.

This week I wanted to share a story that once helped give me some comfort and guidance at a time when I needed it most.

Sometimes we forget how lucky we are to be able to work toward our dreams. I know one good friend who has never taken that for granted.

Quite honestly, I would be more scared to think of how unfulfilled my life would be if I hadn't taken the risk. Try asking yourself what you'd risk for a more fulfilled life.

There was a point in my freestyle skiing career when I started getting sidetracked by the allure of the dollar. But when I stood on my makeshift podium as a five-year-old girl, it was the medal I dreamed of.

There is a saying by John Burroughs, "leap and the net will appear." I put that concept to the test during my second World Cup competition overseas.

To kick off the New Year, I wanted to share a story on a man that everyone should resolve to be like. Shortly after my retirement from aerial skii...

My impressions of the Olympic spirit were forever changed on August 5, 1984, at the very first women's Olympic marathon. I had long ago become an O...