Ski jumping is pretty Euro-centric, and it’s hard for an American to imagine how big and ardent its fan base is, especially in powerhouse countries like Austria, Germany, Norway, Poland, and Slovenia. Today’s storyteller, Kasia Eron, cheers for her home team, Poland, and in support of the Spanish team, but has a special place in her heart for Team USA.
KATARZYNA “KASIA” ERON
Switzerland via Poland
katarzyna.eron@gmail.com
My name is Kasia, and I am from Poland, currently living in Switzerland. I’m a ski jumping fan from Poland, and for years I’ve had a special place in my heart for the U.S. team. I admire their determination and how they keep going in a sport that isn’t widely popular in their country — every jump feels full of heart and courage, and that really inspires me.
I’m a naturally shy person, so I’m not someone who runs to athletes for photos or conversations, but I never miss a competition — live or later if I have to catch up. In my free time, I even traveled around Poland to look for old ski jumping hills that no longer exist, trying to find traces and remains of this sport’s history.
A few years ago, I wrote in Spanish for a ski jumping website, which led me to meet and interview some former Spanish jumpers. They were very open and kind, and one of them, Angel J. Tamburini, helped me break through my shyness — we’re still in touch today.
For me, ski jumping is about passion, history, and the way it quietly connects people from all over the world — whether it’s Poland, the United States, Spain, or any other country in the world. I am always happy to see when a new nation appears on the start list.
Thank you!
