Karyl (& Paul) Loomis
Eau Claire Flying Eagles Ski Club
loomii@msn.com
CURATOR’S NOTE
Most of story below was originally published in 2016. Karyl Loomis reached out late last week to say a) she felt it was still relatable to parents and b) regardless of comments from the tournament crowd ringing the outrun at Silvermine 15 years ago, she and Paul still feel grateful for the choices their boys made and the support that the ski jumping and Nordic combined communities have shown them. So, with an addendum and updated photographs, enjoy!
“WHAT KIND OF EFFING MOM?!”
One of our favorite ski jumping memories is from 2009 when our youngest son Ben first competed in the local Eau Claire Silver Mine Tournament. Though our older son Adam had begun jumping a few years before, we still felt like “newbies” to the sport and were quite nervous to watch our son ski an Olympic size jump!
Therefore, I volunteered to drive the skiers up to the top of the hill; that way I could avoid watching the jumping! For his first jump, I (perhaps foolishly) decided to be brave and got out of the truck to watch. A large crowd had gathered beside the bonfire at the bottom and I ended up in the midst of a rowdy group of spectators. I was thrilled to hear Ben’s name announced, and the crowd cheered. Squinting at the tiny speck descending from the top of the jump , my knees were shaking so hard I could barely stand.
I had no idea how far he jumped, but was simply relieved that he landed safely. As I turned to return to my “shuttle” duty a man beside me shouted: “What kind of effing Mom would let their little boy do that?” Unsure whether to respond, I retreated back to my truck quickly. Yet in hindsight, I have often wished I had proudly shouted, “That would be me!”
As ski jumping parents, this is a common question we hear from friends, relatives… and strangers in a crowd without the expletives: “How can you let your child DO THAT!?”
Often, we think to ourselves, “well there’s no logical explanation for it,” but the reality is that our children’s trajectory and future isn’t completely our choice as parents. After all, we really wouldn’t be good parents if we didn’t support them as they chase their passions and dreams, whatever those might be.
After getting caught off guard that night, my response NOW is, “If they can throw themselves headfirst off a ski jump at 60 mph, they won’t feel life has any limits.”
Both our sons went on to compete for the US Nordic Combined Ski Team, and have had experiences beyond imaginable.
UPDATE DECEMBER 2023
Fast forward to December 2023 and ski jumping/Nordic combined remains a large part of our sons’ lives. Adam is the Program Director for Ski Jumping, Nordic Combined, and “Ski Mo” (ski mountaineering) at the Park City Ski/Snowboard Club. Ben continues to compete on the World Cup circuit and represents the US Army in their “World Class Athlete Program.”
Albeit cliche, the “courage, confidence and character” mantra of USA Nordic has proven to be true for our children (oops, biased parental opinion). Problem-solving, resiliency, patience, and an awareness of other cultures and perspectives are just a few of the skills and rewards that ski jumping has brought to them.
For that we are forever grateful for this wonderful sport and community.
Karyl & Paul Loomis
5 Comments
Great story Karyl.
Great story Karyl! Fond memories of watching Ben and Adam at Silvermine!
You said what everyone else’s job was but skipped yourself‼️
Karyl, you are the best kind of mom! You have supported Adam and Ben in all of their adventures! They are truly amazing …just like their parents!
Karyl: Have enjoyed following the progress of both
ever since my brother DeWayne 1st told me about their the jumping at Sivermine. It has been enjoyable, especially telling other family friends about them. As great parents, take care.