“The first few years I was competing, I'd ride so well in practice, then choke and fall in competition. Now I take a deep breath and say, 'Look at me. I'm outside. I'm doing what I love.' Still, nothing's matched the pressure I felt standing at the top of the halfpipe for the first time at the Olympics.”

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.