Casey Larson – December 22nd, 2021

CASEY LARSON
Norge Ski Club/USANS Ski Jumping Team/2018 Olympic ski jumping team
caseylarson16@gmail.com
 
I feel bad interjecting on all the incredible stories I have been reading to write about what is not so much of a story but more of an ode to Midwest ski jumping culture, and why I think it somehow churns out some incredible athletes that are truly obsessed with the sport and competition.
             
What I did not realize when I took my first drive to St. Paul when I was 7 for my first ever tournament, was that just about 16 years later I’d be in a car driving to a different tournament, a World Cup. Just about the biggest change is that my chauffeur is no longer my Dad, but my coach. I suppose back then I jumped in snow pants and no goggles too, I’ve also heard I was less annoying.
 
I am not sure what caught my attention so quickly about this sport, but if you’re reading this that’s probably beside the point. I suppose I am trying to tell a story I don’t really think I am qualified to tell. There are too many old heads that could tell it so much better. I just want others to understand how incredible the Central Division is. Every single club is defying every odd to still be operating; every kid, parent, coach within those clubs are doing so much for the sport that I don’t think they understand. I was lucky enough to grow up in the sport with others that would end up being my teammates at the National Team level and I am most certainly a product of my environment. If you are to look at results from pretty much anywhere in the world right now, whether it be a U.S. Cup, or a World Cup, there are more than likely some Central Division alums sprinkled throughout. In 2018 we had the most Olympians of any other division, and in 2022 it might just be a similar story.
 
The real story, and the real reason for the Story Project, is this needs to keep happening. The sport is just getting bigger and I could not be more excited to see it going in the direction it is. My home club, Norge, is 10 times bigger in terms of kids than when I was jumping there. I just hope that you guys get to travel more and go farther than I ever have. That’s what is so unique, we have a small-scale World Cup schedule from Coleraine all the way to Chicago. From December until February you gCASEY LARSON
Norge Ski Club/USANS Ski Jumping Team/2018 Olympic ski jumping team
caseylarson16@gmail.com
 
I feel bad interjecting on all the incredible stories I have been reading to write about what is not so much of a story but more of an ode to Midwest ski jumping culture, and why I think it somehow churns out some incredible athletes that are truly obsessed with the sport and competition.
             
What I did not realize when I took my first drive to St. Paul when I was 7 for my first ever tournament, was that just about 16 years later I’d be in a car driving to a different tournament, a World Cup. Just about the biggest change is that my chauffeur is no longer my Dad, but my coach. I suppose back then I jumped in snow pants and no goggles too, I’ve also heard I was less annoying.
 
I am not sure what caught my attention so quickly about this sport, but if you’re reading this that’s probably beside the point. I suppose I am trying to tell a story I don’t really think I am qualified to tell. There are too many old heads that could tell it so much better. I just want others to understand how incredible the Central Division is. Every single club is defying every odd to still be operating; every kid, parent, coach within those clubs is doing so much for the sport that I don’t think they understand. I was lucky enough to grow up in the sport with others that would end up being my teammates at the National Team level and I am most certainly a product of my environment. If you are to look at results from pretty much anywhere in the world right now, whether it be a U.S. Cup, or a World Cup, there is more than likely some Central Division alums sprinkled throughout. In 2018 we had the most Olympians of any other division, and in 2022 it might just be a similar story.
 
The real story, and the real reason for the Story Project, is this needs to keep happening. The sport is just getting bigger and I could not be more excited to see it going in the direction it is. My home club, Norge, is 10 times bigger in terms of kids than when I was jumping there. I just hope that you guys get to travel more and go farther than I ever have. That’s what is so unique, we have a small-scale World Cup schedule from Coleraine all the way to Chicago. From December until February you get to meet your best friends and push each other to farther jumps and bigger hills. Albeit this may seem like an advertisement, but as someone who would not be where they are today without the hard work of the entire Central Division, I can’t help but offer my appreciation.