WW: What is the most memorable moment of your career?
MB: Probably the Worlds in 1998 where I finished second behind my friend and training partner, Tara. I had such a good time. Also, the European Championships in 1999 was dear to me as my family came over to watch me win. It was such a warm feeling to see how proud they were!
WW: Tara has a cast on her foot now. What happened to her? Will that affect your training regimen?
MB: She has trained hard all winter and was even riding for a month with pain in her heel which turned out to be fractured. She thinks it happened while wakeboarding. She is very tough and I wouldn't be surprised to see her back all strong again at the first stop of the Vans Triple Crown.
Editor's Note: Tara Hamilton did not compete at the first stop of the Vans Triple Crown, but did just enter her first competition of the year, The Masters.
WW: I've heard that you're an educated woman. Is it true that you have a Masters degree?
MB: Yes, I do have a M.B.A. I graduated in 1998. I am happy to have kept on doing my studies while I was wakeboarding. It has helped me focus and realize that there is more than just wakeboarding in life.
WW: Would you like to put that use when your wakeboarding career is over?
MB: Once I retire from competing, I would love to work in the sport industry. That is where my passion lies. I always keep my ears open to arising opportunities when that day comes.
WW: What do you see yourself doing after wakeboarding?
MB: Have kids, enjoy my family and be involved in the sport industry.
WW: What do you do when you're not on the water?
MB: I love to cook and read books. I switch regularly between books written in English, French and Danish. I am actually quite the book fanatic. I collect every book I read and place them by author on my book shelves. One time Paul decided he was doing a bit of a clean up and decided to throw some of the paperback books in the trash. Unfortunately for him, I saw it and he was in so much trouble!
WW: How many books are on that shelf?
MB: Right now I have over 100 books and going up.
WW: Of all the riders, past and present, who are some of your favorites and why?
MB: Tara Hamilton for her contribution to women's wakeboarding. Shaun Murray for his sportsmanship and big heart. Darin Shapiro for his unique power on the water. Tina Bessinger for her dedication and straightforwardness. Brannan Johnson for his perfectionism. And Rob Struharik for his premature entrepreneurial spirit.
WW: Who are some of the non-riders that you respect?
MB: The women's Danish National Handball Team for winning the Olympic Gold medal in 1996 and 2000. That was really impressive. There are many more sports figures I have high regards for such as, Marion Jones, Gabriella Reece, Thomas Bjoern, and more.
WW: What advice would you give to a young rider aspiring to compete at a professional level?
MB: Never to give up, your turn will come. Just look at Froggy!
WW: Anyone you'd like to thank?
MB: Paul, my husband, for always being there for me, my family and my sponsors: CWB Wakeboards and Proline, Malibu Boats, Billabong, Reef, Smith Eyewear and Performance Ski and Surf.
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