February 20, 2010 (Whistler, BC) – We caught up with a cheerful Caitlin Compton (USA), after
“I struggled on the classic portion,” she said of her race, and admitted it was a “mentally tough day.” She worked hard to keep herself motivated and positive for the freestyle portion, which is her stronger discipline. “I’m interested to see – just out of personal interest – how my skate stacks up [against the others],” she said.
After a big sneeze (“I always sneeze after races, I don’t know why!” she explained.), Compton continued talking about her skate leg and how she would be thrilled to be chosen to race alongside Kikkan Randall (USA) in the sprint relay on February 22. “I’d jump at the opportunity in an instant,” she said. “I feel super sharp right now.” She mentioned doing an intensity workout the other day, and feeling ready for the challenge.
Compton claims the warm, sunny weather and slow, spring snow conditions haven’t fazed her a bit: “My skis just feel great out here,” she said, praising the wax team and her Salomon skis.
“I really like the venue,” she said of the Whistler Olympic Park in the Callaghan Valley, just minutes from Whistler. “It’s been really inspiring here and motivating me to go on for another four years. It’s a great stage for an international event. And it’s been great for my family too. They’re having a super time as there are lots of fun things for them to do.”
When asked about how her Games are going, she was extremely positive. For her there was no question what the highlight was so far: “The Athletes Village for sure. I’m so excited that we got to stay there. To have the opportunity to be amongst other athletes and different cultures, I’m really enjoying meeting people and different athletes. That’s what the Olympics is.”
Compton is already looking ahead to the rest of the season: “I’m a planner. I’m heading straight to Europe after the Games,” where the plan is to race some OPA Cups and possibly World Cups. After that, it’s back to the U.S. for the distance National Championships, March 24 in Fort Kent, ME.
So what did she have planned for the rest of her afternoon? “I’m gonna see my family in a minute then regroup and recharge” for her next event, which she hopes will be the team sprint on Monday.