Photo by Jeff Curtes

Like most of us, Keir Dillon watched on prime-time TV as Americans J.J. Thomas, Ross Powers and Danny Kass swept the snowboarding halfpipe medals at the Salt Lake City Olympics. The only difference: Dillon missed joining the podium party by one run when Thomas stole the last US team spot at the 2002 Breckenridge Grand Prix. Focused on making the Olympic squad for this February’s Games in Torino, the 28-year-old has gotten down to business. Shirking snowboarding’s badass image, he’s married, holds a strong faith and maintains a tight fitness regimen. Last year, he won the Park City World SuperPipe Championships and took silver at the European Open with his lofty pipe lines. Big victories, but he hopes it’s all just a prelude for what’s to come.

Sorry to pour salt in your wounds, but does it still hurt to know you were so close in 2002?
Oh, there’s already been plenty of salt thrown there. The pain dwindled like memories of an old girlfriend. After watching what unfolded at Salt Lake, I realized I was kind of an idiot for not making as much of an effort to train and work on tricks. Looking back, I’m bummed, but more than anything else, bummed at myself for not taking it as seriously as I should have.

How much would it mean for you to get to Torino?
I grew up watching Carl Lewis and the Dream Team, and like so many kids, I dreamed of going to the Olympics. I never thought I would actually have the chance, but snowboarding’s given me the opportunity to actually live out that dream. I’ve been lifting a lot and getting fit, and working on specific weaknesses on training runs. I know I’m prepared this time. I’ll still be disappointed if I don’t make it, but I’ll know I went after it and gave it everything I had.

You’re not into snowboarding’s bad boy image. Are you a pioneer in making snowboarding more professional?
I’m not one of the pioneers. There were pros before me who taught me how to do it, like Joe Curtis and Dave Downing. These days, if you’re looking for sponsorship, you need to be professional because companies aren’t going to put up with junk shows anymore. You gotta live your life and have fun, but you also need to take care of your body if you expect it to work.

Last Updated: Apr 18th, 2006 - 18:38:31
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