TALIA MAKI-FOUST
Cameron Ski Club
Cameron, WI
amakifoust7@gmail.com
We were going to the ski jumps at my Grandpa’s house in Coleraine. There are lots of ski jumps there. There were a couple days to practice. I got my suit on, helmet and boots. I was ready to go ski jumping.
I put my skis on and went to the poma. I was skiing on the 10 meter with jumping skis. There was a guy to help me get on the poma. I went up slowly. My mom had to run to the top to help me get off. There was a small line so I had to wait. When it was my turn my mom had to drop me in the track and I went really fast. When it was done I went like 5 or 6 times. I went one more time so my mom dropped me in the tracks. I went so fast my ski slipped out of the track. I got to the bottom and I face planted in the snow. The snow was in my suit. We figured out I had a black eye. It really hurt. I said, “I will never ski jump again.’ ’But when my friend Layla came I said, “I got a black eye because I fell.” Then Layla said, “You can still do this’’. Then I kept going because I needed to practice. I skied a few more times. I was happy I did it again.
At the end of the day Addy invited me for a sleepover. After that my mom drove me to Addy’s house. Layla was staying there too. When we got there Addy showed us around her house. The parents called us for supper. We had pizza. Then we went to bed. Before we went to bed Addy kissed my eye and said, “it will be ok.” Then Layla, Addy and I went to bed.
In the morning I woke up Addy and Layla and I told them it was the tournament. Then we got dressed. We went to the ski jumps to get started. I got on the poma. I started going up and by the time I was up I could get off by myself. I got a couple practice jumps. I thought I was going to fall again. I took 5 to 6 jumps. After it was the tournament. We got our bibs. A little later it was my turn. Everyone was cheering and the flag waved. I went down. It was scary. After a while they handed out medals. I got 5th place. I hope I can do it again some time.
Talia Maki-Foust
Age 8
12 Comments
THIS IS FANTASTIC!!!
We are glad that you enjoyed the story!
Every worthwhile avenue of human endeavor bares it’s own Red Badge of Courage.
Indeed it does! Thank you for reading the story.
I remember her mom. Talia will ski again. It’s in her blood.
Talia has a bright future in skiing, that’s for sure!
Lots of childhood memories here. My Dad used to take us to the Ski Jumping Competition at Battle Creek in St. Paul. His brother, my uncle, participated. Jumping has been in my uncle’s family ever since. I still watch jumping in the Olympics and can see the huge improvements in technique over the years. It is nice to see the youth of our country keeping it alive.
Those are some great memories for sure, we are glad this story could take you down memory lane! We are very happy as well that the youth of the country are keeping it alive!
This was enjoyable to read. Talia. And you are totally correct about getting to ski with a friend who will share your ski-jumping challenges. Like taking a spill or just feeling afraid. The challenges you can make progress towards winning are the common ones which even Masters face…speed, balance, coordination. You are so right about practice…it will grow into confidence, and confidence means you are learning this special sport. It is special because so few kids learn it. I love that your friend, Layla, supports you with encouragement…telling you that your black eye will mend! And that you can still jump while it is mending. It’s a blessing to have friends, I always tell myself. I wish you kids to have Good luck as you jump. And I wish the season brings you more friends in the tracks. Maybe I can jump with you sometime. It’s pretty lonely in Masters class lately! I always enjoyed jumping with Jim, Larry and Doug. Maki ski jumping has been fun!
Shinola from Timo. I read your story a third time.
This is some great advice, thank you Timo! We are very glad that you enjoyed this story.
Talia, seeing your photo with Layla put a BIG smile on my face. Ski jumping with a friend is the best way to encourage one another in a high-risk sport that has its bumps & bruises.
I did not begin Nordic skiing until age 40; my wife was my partner. We are still enjoying this great winter sport 34 years later! I hope to see both you & Layla on the leader board at future Olympic Games.
Good write up Talia. I grew up skiing with her Mother. Coleraine was one of my favorite jumps too.