PAIGE JONES
Park City, UT
Ski jumping has always been more than just a sport for me: it’s a community, a passion, and a chance to connect with others all over the world. As a member of the national team, I’ve had the privilege of representing my country and learning from some of the best in the world. But what excites me most is the opportunity to help shape the future of the sport, especially for young athletes. As my relationship with the sport develops, I’ve been trying to contribute to the ski jumping community in new ways.
Although I grew up jumping in Utah, my journey has recently brought me to Lake Placid more often. It didn’t take long for me to notice the unique challenges athletes face here. The national team’s presence is smaller in the East, and none of the women’s team members currently hail from the region. Knowing how much the national team presence in my home town of Park City affected my development as a junior athlete, I wanted to do something to help bridge that gap.
Last year, I took a small step to connect with the Eastern Division by sending some of my old suits to the girls there. It was a simple gesture, but it opened the door to new relationships. Through that, I got to know a group of dedicated parents who are excited about ski jumping and invested in their children’s athletic journeys. Many of these parents spend long hours driving their little athletes hours to and from the closest ski jumps or competitions. Their enthusiasm and gratitude inspired me to take my involvement further.
Youth development, particularly for girls in ski jumping, is one of my passions. This summer, I wanted to contribute more directly to the athletes’ development. I reached out to two welcoming local coaches, Larry Stone and Jay Rand, who kindly allowed me to join some of their training sessions in June. It was one of my first opportunities to try my hand at coaching, and it didn’t take long for me to see the talent brewing in the East.
I was genuinely impressed by the program the Eastern Division has built. However, as a member of the national team, I’ve been fortunate to benefit from our collaboration with the Norwegians. I know that the insights we’ve gained could make a big difference for these young athletes. To help bridge that gap, I organized a physical training day where I introduced the athletes to some of the workout routines we use at the national level. I also wrote sample training programs to provide them with a framework they could build on.
Throughout this experience, I enjoyed getting to know the kids and their families. Their passion for ski jumping and commitment to improvement reminded me of why I fell in love with the sport in the first place. Lake Placid has started to feel like a second home, with many familiar faces.
For me, this isn’t just about passing down knowledge, it’s about creating opportunities and paving the way for the next generation. When I eventually retire, I want to look back and see a group of eager juniors nipping at my heels, ready to push the boundaries of the sport further than I ever could. This summer was my way of contributing to that dream, and I can’t wait to see where these athletes go next.
