“Over the course of my 13-year career, I've had a lot of concussions, and yet, because I'm no longer competing or suffering from concussion symptoms, I felt like I was in the clear. The reality, though, is that I get concussions far more easily, and my symptoms last far longer than ever before.”

American former professional halfpipe snowboarder

Gretchen Elisabeth Bleiler is an American former professional halfpipe snowboarder. She won a silver medal at the 2006 Winter Olympics. Bleiler competed at the highest level of her sport and became best known for her Olympic success. Her career is tied to snowboarding, especially halfpipe competition, and to the discipline and focus required to reach the podium at the Games.