05/09/2024
I sincerely apologize to the photographer who captured this fabulous shot. I would like to credit them. I found the photo on the Ishpeming Ski Club page.
This braid belongs to my new hero, Kaija Copenhaver. I met her a couple weeks back at the US Ski & Snowboard Hall of Fame when we were recognizing some of our area's outstanding young skiers.
Kaija placed second in the Junior Nationals in Anchorage at the beginning of March. She's a nordic combined skier which means she competes in jumping as well as cross-country sprints.
As coach Dick Ziegler describes, "Kaija can do it all."
My good friend, Todd Poquette, 906 Adventure Team coach, talks with kids about doing HARD THINGS.
When I look down this take off--the pitch, the speed, and the geometry and physics it requires to stick the landing--I'm in awe.
I can only imagine what is going through the mind and heart of this 15 year old as she prepares to launch. And score a winning jump. In my book, she defines SISU.
Parents, we have to remember not to pinch our children's potential with our own worries and weaknesses.
Give them wings and they will fly!
