Zach Parise And Julie Chu Interview

Is This The Year Team USA Nabs Hockey Gold?

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Between the two of them, Zach Parise and Julie Chu have won seven World Championships and four Olympic medals. Chu is one of the most decorated players in NCAA history and is competing in her fourth — yes, fourth — Olympic games. She won silver medals in 2002 and 2010, and a bronze in 2006. Chu, at 31, is most likely competing in her final Olympic tournament — and clearly has her eyes set on gold.

Parise, an all-star forward for the NHL's Minnesota Wild and captain for Team USA, is hoping to avoid the same heartbreak as in Vancouver four years ago. With Team USA trailing Canada 2-1 with less than 30 seconds left during the third period of the gold medal game, Parise notched the tying goal. That elation would not last, however, as Sidney Crosby won it for Canada seven minutes into the extra frame. Parise would like to alleviate that memory with a gold medal of his own.

We chatted with the Olympians and proud representatives of their country about preparing for Sochi, staying focused during the games and what it takes to be world class athletes.

AskMen: Do you have any special childhood memories of the Olympics?

Zach Parise (ZP): I absolutely remember being a huge fan of all Olympic sports growing up. I was a teenager when the games were in Salt Lake City. I loved every minute of those games.

AskMen: The Olympics are a global spectacle. Is the experience overwhelming or do you get time to enjoy it?

Julie Chu (JC): That’s the biggest challenge. How do we enjoy the Olympic experience and everything it has to offer — the different events, the atmosphere — but at the same time conserve our energy and understand that we need to make the right decisions so that we’re feeling great? We have to continually have to check in on ourselves to make sure that we’re listening to our bodies along the way. My most overwhelming Olympics was my first, in 2002. I was 19 and everything was huge and crazy. I wanted to taste a little bit of everything. As I experienced other Olympics, I’ve been able to settle in. I still feed off of the energy of first-timers.

AskMen: Are there any events you don't want to miss while there?

ZP: I’m not sure how much time we’ll have to just be spectators, but I love the skiing events — especially downhill and freestyle.



AskMen: How special are the opening and closing ceremonies?

JC: That’s still one of my favorite moments from the Olympic Games. We have the opportunity to be surrounded by all of the other nations at the same time, celebrating the Olympic spirit, the Olympic games — that’s such a powerful thing. That never wears off.

ZP: It means a lot. I am obviously extremely proud to be representing my country. It’s an incredible feeling having the entire country’s support, rooting for you to succeed.

AskMen: Do you have any souvenirs from past Games?

JC: Some different Olympic gear, some signed posters — but for us, Olympic jerseys are huge. Having my Olympic hockey jersey is so special and is something that is always going to stay within the family. Our Ralph Lauren gear is incredible and I still wear it to this day.



Photo: Courtesy of Ralph Lauren

JC: It’s a combination of both. Often it’s dictated by the coaches just because it’s based on the schedule that they put into place. This time we’re training with Mike Boyle, who is an off-ice strength and conditioning coach. He’s done some amazing things for our program — just raising our accountability to be fit, strong players so that when we get on the ice, we’re able to execute our skills and the game that we want to play over the full 60 minutes. That’s definitely a commitment that we’ve made as a team.

AskMen: Is the training the hardest part for you?

JC: There are times when we’re exhausted and we still have to go through a really tough hour-and-a-half, hour-and-45-minute workout of lifting weights, plyos, jumps — and then at the end of it have to do a really tough conditioning. Those are definitely gut-check moments. But we give ourselves pep talks and know that we have to give it our all every day, otherwise we’re letting down our teammates, we’re letting down Team USA and maybe we’re giving our opponents an edge.

AskMen: Mentally, which is tougher — an Olympic Gold Medal Game or an elimination game in the Stanley Cup finals?

ZP: They’re equally tough. Two of my biggest goals in hockey are to win a Stanley Cup with my team, and a gold medal with my country.