On his return from Holland, Stephen answered 10 questions for this month's USA Taekwondo Athlete Profile...

Q1: You had to post back-to-back wins at the National Team Trials to secure your spot on the 2006 Senior National Team. What was your mindset going into the Trials and how excited were you to make the team?

STEPHEN LAMBDIN: I was very optimistic going in the final stage of the fight-off. I knew that I could do it and that everyone around me believed I could. In the end, for me, it was just a matter of stepping into the ring and fighting like I knew I could.

Q2: You list running as a hobby. Do you run to stay in shape for Taekwondo or just to clear your head and get away for a bit?

STEPHEN LAMBDIN: A little of both actually. I run for Taekwondo because it’s great for endurance, but I have to say I can’t think of a better way to clear my mind than a five-mile run. It gives me alone time to focus on my game, but at the same time, it’s something I really enjoy and I use it to disconnect and relax. My great-Uncle won a silver medal in the Olympics for track and field, so I think I inherited the passion for running and the Olympics.

Q3: What's something you made as a kid - something with your own two hands?

STEPHEN LAMBDIN: I have always loved to draw and I used to draw a lot when I was a kid. In about 2nd-3rd grade I came up with my own Taekwondo sparring gear. I called it “Team Stephen”. It was really corny, but I had a complete line of gear and apparel.

Q4: As a senior in high school, are you looking at any colleges for next year? What would you like to study?

STEPHEN LAMBDIN: I’m hoping to go to either TCU or SMU. In addition to being great schools, their location will let me to stay in the Dallas/Fort Worth area so I can still train with my coach, Jeff Pinaroc. And I don’t want to give up being close enough to go up to Oklahoma and train with the Poos team. I’m still not 100% sure about what I want to study, but right now I’m thinking something in the medical field.

Q5: What do you consider to be your most memorable moment in the sport of Taekwondo?

STEPHEN LAMBDIN: Making the Senior National Team. It has been step one in a dream for as long as I can remember. I consider it an honor to be allowed to go to other countries as an official representative of the United States and compete. It is something few people ever get to experience and I will never forget it for the rest of my life. I can’t wait for the day I stand on the medal stand and hear my national anthem.

Q6: If you could trade places with one person in the world, who would it be and why?

STEPHEN LAMBDIN: There are so many great people who I would like to talk to, but honestly I wouldn’t trade places with anyone in the world. I have my entire life ahead of me, to make anything I can dream a reality. I have a family who loves and supports me (have you seen my Mom at tournaments?). I have the friendships I have made over the last 12 years in this sport that will last a lifetime. I live in the greatest country in the world. I can’t imagine that anyone has ever had it better.

Q7: Do you believe in both short- and long-term goals?

STEPHEN LAMBDIN: Of course. My short-term goals put together are what will cause me to achieve my long-term goals. My first goal was to make the Junior Team, and medal at Jr. World’s, which gave me the experience I needed to get on the Senior National Team. I have to say that we have a great athlete development program. From an early age, you can see the steps you need to take if making the Sr. Team is one of your goals. My current goals include to take the experience I get with the Senior Team to help me to my next goal of being World Champion and an Olympic gold medalist.

Q8: Do you have any pre-competition superstitions or rituals?

STEPHEN LAMBDIN: I can’t say that I have any superstitions, but there are a few things I always do. The night before my fight I always watch something inspirational, like Miracle. Then during the day, I love to hang out with people who make me laugh. There is nothing more relaxing than hanging out with my friends. I can’t help but relax and have fun when I’m around my coach, the Nevilles, Jon Perieda, or any of my team in from around the country. Next, I always wear my USA uniform. The thought of representing my country gets me fired up every time I put it on. Last, right before I start the fight, I always pray for God’s will in the match, and it helps me to always know no matter what happens it’s for the best.

Q9: What's your fave holiday?

STEPHEN LAMBDIN: It has got to be Christmas. There is nothing better than being with my family and celebrating our faith in Jesus. My older brother spends the night and we always get up early, have homemade hot chocolate with big marshmallows, and watch each other open our gifts. Let’s face it, ya can’t help but love getting new stuff.

Q10: What is one thing that you can't live without?

STEPHEN LAMBDIN: It may sound corny or insincere, but I can’t live without my faith in God. It’s what has made me so successful at my age. I thank God everyday for his blessings, and even when something doesn’t go the way I would want, I know he is taking care of me and in the end, it’s always for the best.