Lauren Woolstencroft, Paralympic alpine skier

Lauren Woolstencroft is a woman used to moving fast. Very fast. As an alpine skier who was born without legs below the knees and her left arm missing below the elbow, Lauren has whooshed her way to victory in two Paralympic Winter Games -- in Salt Lake City in 2002 and Torino in 2006. To date, she has earned five Paralympic medals (three of them gold) and eight world championship titles.

Lauren is busy preparing to add to that medal count at the 2010 Paralympic Winter Games. We got her to slow down just long enough to share with us some of her favourite things about Vancouver as well as her feelings about the upcoming 2010 Winter Games.

Lauren, you live in North Vancouver, close to the mountains and the ocean. Do you have a favourite restaurant in your neighbourhood?
Yes! Gusto di Quattro -- great Italian food and only two blocks from my house in Lower Lonsdale (close to the Seabus terminal and the Lonsdale Quay Market).

How about a favourite seafood restaurant?
Joe Fortes Seafood and Chop House (in downtown Vancouver) -- great food and a really fun atmosphere.

What summer activities do you love to do?
Hiking and biking in North Vancouver!

Most underrated tourist draw in Vancouver?
Shopping on South Main Street.

Favourite Vancouver festival?
The Vancouver International Jazz Festival (June 26 to July 5, 2009).

What's your number one recommendation to friends visiting Vancouver for the first time?
Go hiking in the North Shore Mountains.

What do you hope visitors experience during the 2010 Winter Games?
Great weather so they are able to enjoy the mountains and the waterfront. I also hope they appreciate the amount of enthusiasm this city has for the opportunity to host the 2010 Winter Games!

What does it feel like for you to have the 2010 Winter Games in your town?
Exciting! This will be the first winter Paralympics to be held in Canada so I look forward to showing Canada what the Paralympics are all about.