With a career on the snow of more than 15 years, Billy Demong has produced some staggering numbers and memorable moments as America’s best-ever Nordic Combined skier. He made his Olympic debut in 1998 in Nagano, Japan, at the age of 17. In addition to his Gold and Silver Medal performance at the 2010 Olympics Games (historic firsts for Team USA), Mr. Demong is already a four-time Olympian, a 21-time World Cup Medalist (nine of which are gold), a record-setting nine-time U.S. World Team member and an eight-time U.S. National Champion. In 2002, he won his first career World Cup, then months later fractured his skull from a shallow dive into a swimming pool. The accident nearly ended his career, though today Mr. Demong sees it as the true turning point in becoming a champion. Forced to take a break from the intense demands of training while recovering left him ample time for soul searching. His true passion for the sport was rekindled and upon returning to the snow, he never looked back. He’s also the founder of an environmental consulting agency, Demong Designs.
 
Health E-Insights: What led you to using Bioenergy Ribose and joining them as a spokesperson?
Mr. Demong: I first heard about Bioenergy Ribose through my agent, Patrick Quinn, who has had several other athletes have great results utilizing Ribose in their nutritional routine. I gave it a try and after just 1-2 weeks really started to feel much better day-to-day recovering from long, hard training sessions. After my own anecdotal experience I also learned the science behind the product and have been really excited to be able to share my findings with other athletes as well as people looking to feel better in their everyday lives.
 
Health E-Insights: What’s your secret to having better energy?
Mr. Demong: Certainly getting enough sleep is key to staying topped off on energy, but beyond just eating well and recovering, I utilize massage, contrast baths of hot and ice cold water and also nutritional supplements like Bioenrgy Ribose, which help get the most out of my training as well as being ready to go each and every day.
 
Health E-Insights: How do you keep in shape?
Mr. Demong: I cross train running, cycling, hiking, skiing and weight training. I believe that frequency is important and try to train twice a day, every day except my days off. Recovery is also important and structuring time for naps, a good night sleep and downtime is important to maximize the gains from hard training.
 
Health E-Insights: Can you name a person who has had a tremendous impact on you as an athlete?
Mr. Demong: My coach Dave Jarrett. As a former teammate of mine he went on to become a scholar of exercise science and together we went outside the box of what was considered normal for Nordic Combined. We tried new types of training and utilized new equipment to achieve goals that no American skiers had ever achieved before. He helped me believe that through efficiency and innovation we could be successful.
 
Health E-Insights: Do you consider winning a gold medal your greatest achievement?
Mr. Demong: Absolutely not. I believe that gold medals are the result of achieving many, many smaller goals. The many years of toiling behind the main stage is the ultimate challenge and being able to execute a long plan of training and learning is much harder than any single day. My proudest achievement is having taken the time and having the discipline to get to a gold medal level.
 
Health E-Insights: What’s the best compliment you’ve ever received?
Mr. Demong: I’ve been told that I am wise.
 
Health E-Insights: What is your idea of perfect happiness?
Mr. Demong: Breaking beyond what you previously believed to be your limit.
 
Health E-Insights: If you could change one thing about yourself what would it be?
Mr. Demong: I’d like more hair!
 
Sheldon Baker is well known for creating nutraceutical brand marketing and public relations campaigns. For Health E-Insights interview consideration, contact him at [email protected]. And follow him on Twitter @NutraInk.