Alexa Loo, Canadian Olympic snowboarder

Local snowboarding hero Alexa Loo is going for gold on home turf at the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games. Alexa, a native of Richmond, BC, will be competing at Cypress Mountian, one of Vancouver’s three local ski hills and the venue for Olympic freestyle ski and snowboard events during the Games. The charterd accountant turned Olympian has seen the whole world – racing in over 100 World Cup events, seven world championships and numerous Nor-Am Cup contests. But there’s nothing Alexa loves more than being here in BC.

How do you describe Vancouver?
The most beautiful city with the most beautiful and diverse people.

What is your favourite restaurant in Vancouver?
Glowbal restaurant in Yaletown.

What comes to mind when you hear the phrase "West Coast Cuisine"?
Salmon, seafood, fresh vegetables, some fusion - Asian and Indian spices combined with local produce, seafood and meat.

What's your earliest memory of skiing on Vancouver's local mountains?
I remember riding the old two person chairlift up “The Cut” at Grouse Mountain in the evening with my mom.

What's the best way to relax in Vancouver? Golfing at one of the local courses - I love an early morning round, the dew still on the grass and the sun coming up over the trees.

Which is your favourite Vancouver neighbourhood and why?
I love Kits. The beach, shops, old houses and the energy are great.

What are your top three recommendations to people when they tell you they are visiting Vancouver for the first time?
Go up Grouse to see the city and the view. Rent a bike and ride or go for a jog around Stanley Park. Visit Chinatown and the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Garden

How does it feel to have the Olympic Winter Games coming to your home town?
I am so excited to share the magic of the Olympics with all of my friends and neighbours! I have watched events at the '92 games in Barcelona and I competed in 2006 in Torino and I can't wait for people to experience the excitement in Vancouver.

Describe your childhood in Vancouver/Richmond?
Idyllic: summers at swim meets with my friends and family and winters skiing with my family.

Which is your favourite attraction or museum in Vancouver?
The museum of Anthropology at UBC is very cool. I often take visitors there if we have time and are in the mood for a museum.

What is your favourite "off the beaten path" thing to do in Vancouver?
We have season tickets to the Opera - I love attending the performances with my mom and my sister. It is our regular "Girls' night out".

This interview took place in October 2009.

September 2008