NFL Kicker matt Bahr says this about pressure, "Pressure is what you put on yourself.  What's important is how you handle it.  One thing you've got to do as a kicker is want to go in and kick. And if you miss, you have to want to go right back in there and kick again.  You have to always look forward to the challenge.  Once you become afraid of the situation, it's time to question whether you should be out there."

Sounds like that could be true in ski racing also.