CROSS-COUNTRY SPEEDSTER CHANDRA CRAWFORD IS IN A BIT OF A PICKLE. THE POWERS THAT BE IN HER SPORT HAVE A TENDENCY TO SHUFFLE THE EVENT DECK A BIT TO KEEP THINGS INTERESTING. AT THE 2006 OLYMPICS IN ITALY SHE CAPTURED GOLD USING THE SKATE SKI TECHNIQUE.

But the sprint on tap for Vancouver 2010 will be raced classic style - Crawford’s weaker discipline. Still, this pole planting Canmore, B.C. contender is no complainer.

She embraces any Nordic challenge and is eager to power glide to the front of the pack once again. We caught up with Crawford while she was bounding her way along breathtaking trails in New Zealand this past summer.

How do you fi nd training in Kiwi land?

New Zealand is one of my favorite countries in the world. Gorgeous volcanic islands in the Pacifi c like these are hard to beat in terms of stunning scenery, cool culture and awesome people.

Leg injuries derailed your ‘08-‘09 season, how are you feeling health wise these days?

I’m feeling apprehensive and like I’m held together by duct tape at times with regards to my chronic lower leg injuries.

But, I feel like I’ve learned a ton and my big advantage through all this is a profound appreciation for the life I love as a ski racer and the people I share it with.

That and I have a ton of energy!

Heading into 2006 you were a little under the radar. This time around you’re a gold medalist and everybody is watching you at the starting line. Having experienced both realities which one do you like better?

I still feel that I’m a big underdog because the event I won in 2006 isn’t in the 2010 games as we alternate techniques in our sport all the time.

Just how different is the classic discipline and how will it impact you?

There are different skis, boots, and poles. Classic is the old school style in the tracks and requires more fi nesse for good power application. I’m working on it.

Also I believe upper body strength will be critical for that event so I’m emphasizing that big time.

What tortuous training technique do you sometimes wish was never invented because it hurts so much?

Well roller skis without brakes should never have been mass-produced. We all use them but have scars to show how we learned our respect.

As an elite athlete do you always skip dessert or do you embrace the Michael Phelps philosophy that since you burn off so many calories you should eat whatever you want and then some?

Timing is key. When I train hard or a lot - say I do intervals that are over a minute each or I train for 3-6 hours continuously

- then it is defi nitely brownie or cookie time. Other times I try to satisfy cravings with healthy snacks like fruit and nuts.