Rachael Karker, the Canadian halfpipe skier who secured a bronze medal in Beijing four years ago, is gearing up for her second Olympics in Milan Cortina with an optimistic outlook. The absence of COVID restrictions and the overwhelming anxiety that accompanied the previous Games allows her the freedom to compete without the weight of additional stress. Karker expressed relief that this time around she's not under the same desperate pressure; instead, she intends to enjoy the experience while aiming to perform at her peak.

Reflecting on her past Olympic experience, Karker recalled the intensity of the competition in Beijing where, despite the circumstances caused by the pandemic, she ended up on the podium with a silver medal, flanked by teammate Cassie Sharpe, while China's Eileen Gu secured gold. This previous success has greatly affected her approach to the upcoming Games, as she has already fulfilled her aspiration of winning an Olympic medal, easing the burden she felt in her first attempt.

With the upcoming Olympics, Karker recognizes the importance of her support system, highlighting that her entire family will be present to cheer her on, which contrasts sharply with her solitary experience in China during the pandemic. While Karker hopes to add another medal to her collection, her focus has shifted to enjoying the event and sharing the experience with loved ones, making it a fun journey rather than just a medal chase.