Park City, UT – Dylan Ferguson, kept out of the 2010 Olympic Winter Games by a sudden bout of appendicitis, is spearheading the next wave of American aerials skiers. He already has a Junior World Championships silver medal and experienced his first World Cup podium last year at Deer Valley Resort in Utah, and now, he has his sights set on a World Cup gold medal.

Name: Dylan Ferguson

Sport: Freestyle Aerials

How/when did you decide you wanted to compete: I competed in all freestyle disciplines when I was young but when I was about fifteen-years-old, I decided that I wanted to focus on aerials.

Biggest accomplishment in your career so far: 2nd place at Deer Valley World Cup 2012

Goals for next season: Win my first World Cup and be ranked in the top three in the World Cup rankings at the end of the season.

Favorite snow destination: I went to Voss, Norway, last season. I really enjoyed my time there and hope to go back this season for World Championships.

Favorite non-snow destination: Southern California to camp with friends and surf as much as possible.

If you weren’t a professional athlete what would you be: I would probably be done with school and have a real-life job. I plan on being a professional skier as long as possible!

Time you’ve been most scared in your life: During my appendix surgery during the 2010 Olympic Winter Games—I had never had surgery before and the doctors were not entirely sure what was wrong with me.

Biggest vice: My alter ego that my friends call Diana—can be funny but has also been known to agitate my teammates.

Biggest pet peeve: Long finger nails. I hate having them and I hate having to cut them.

Advice to others who want to follow in your footsteps: Always remember to do what you love and love what you do. It is important to always have a smile on your face and make the best out of every situation. Enjoy the things you do with your friends and family because if it wasn’t for them, things just wouldn’t be as fun.