Sara Hector expressed her pride in her mental fortitude following her recent victory in giant slalom, where she claimed her second consecutive Olympic medal. She noted that her dedicated work on her mental resilience has paid off, suggesting that her preparations included significant psychological training. This came as she looked to defend her title from four years prior, which had previously left her overwhelmed with nerves.

During her previous Olympic run in Peking, Hector faced extreme anxiety, even resulting in physical symptoms like vomiting. In contrast, this time around in Cortina, she managed her nerves more effectively despite admitting to having 'a lot of butterflies' before starting the competition. She credited her growth and development since the last Olympics, highlighting the importance of mental preparation in high-stakes sports scenarios.

Hector's success not only showcases her athletic skill but also serves as an example of the growing recognition of the mental aspect of sports. Athletes like her are increasingly open about their psychological challenges, prompting discussions on mental health within competitive sports. This cultural shift emphasizes that training is not merely physical but also requires emotional resilience, which can be just as critical for achieving high performance in events like the Olympics.