The Routine

I need real strength in the half-pipe if I'm going to make the jumps

Jones's career in professional snowboarding began in 1999 when, after a mere five months on the snow in Tignes, she entered the British Championships. She won the overall title for her junior age group. Since then her career has snowballed. In 2001 she became the British big air champion.

Before you became a boarder you were a keen gymnast. How much of your early success on the slopes do you owe to that?

Having done gymnastics since I was four years old is important because I am used to being in mid-air, spinning, and going upside down. Gymnastics built up my muscles and my ability to balance. However, after my first snowboarding season, I had to go back to basics and learn how to do it properly. I could do all these amazing tricks, but there were times when I couldn't even get down a steep slope. But now I've built up my overall standard and I'm much better. I've still got a long way to go. It's easy to do a trick but it's hard to make it look good. Boarding is all about style.

Is physical strength important in snowboarding?

You need strong leg muscles to land the jumps because you're coming down hard on snow. In the half-pipe, each side of the wall is a jump and you need a lot of strength to do that. You need to be flexible. You also need a lot of strength in your stomach muscles and your back.

Do you go to the gym to get fit or is it all about being on the mountain?

I go to the gym to get specific muscles built up and strong. I do circuit training with other boarders to develop those muscles, but mentally I find it tedious. I like active, exhilarating sports so I prefer to go cycling or swimming.

Have you injured yourself badly snowboarding?

I was on a dry slope just after my first season, and I was a bit too cocky. I thought I could do this jump but I landed on my left arm and snapped both bones in it. They couldn't pull them back so I've got two six-inch metal plates in my arm. It has left me with scars which remind me not to be overconfident.

Isn't confidence important for the jumps?

It is the most important thing. If you're not committed to go for a jump then it will go wrong. You'll hear a lot of people talk about "the fear". Everyone gets it at some time in snowboarding. For a few months, you just can't do anything, because you've just hurt yourself and you're scared. Trying to get through those emotional barriers can be difficult.

Do you have to be careful about your diet?

I will be aware about my eating and drinking before a big competition because I want to do well and you can't perform with a hangover. I want to be out practising and improving. I don't follow a diet, but I won't eat anything too heavy. I like fruit, especially bananas because they get you in a happy mood.

Interview by Manfreda Cavazza

Next week: Jonah Lomu, New Zealand rugby player