Four generations of ski jumping
By Holly Neumann
The Central Ski Jumping and Nordic Combined Championships were held on Feb. 2 at the Iola Winter Sports Club, as part of the Iola Winter Carnival.
Making his first appearance was Boone Keenan, age 7, from Holmen, Wisconsin, who jumped for the Flying Malvik Ski Team.
Keenan is the great-grandson of Sig Malvik and grandson of Erik Malvik, who both jumped for the Iola Winter Sports Club for many years.
“My grandpa told me he used to ski jump,” said Boone. “He asked me if I wanted to try.”
And that is just what he did, jumping from both the 5- and 10-meter hills.
The first grader had only been jumping for a day prior to the competition.
“I thought it was pretty cool,” said Boone. “I like that you get to go fast and then jump in the air.”
Grandfather Erik Malvik was beaming with pride over his grandson.
Malvik himself started jumping at the age of 3 and jumped in Iola until he was 18.
Preparing for the big jump
“My dad (Sig Malvik) and I were talking about teaching him,” said Erik. “So I showed him ski jumping on TV and he thought we would like to give it a try.”
Malvik then built him a little snow bump/jump at his house.
“He liked it, so here he is,” said Erik.
Malvik stated that he will continue to coach Boone as long as he a passion for it.
“I think it is pretty neat to share this experience with him,” he said. “I think my dad is even more excited about it than I am.”
He admits that he was more nervous for Boone than he ever was for himself.
“I told him to have fun and when he lands to get into a good athletic position,” Erik said.
Boone’s parents, Cody and Ellie, were proud of their son.
“We have watched a couple of different events, so I was not too nervous,” said Cody.
“I was very nervous,” added Ellie. “But so proud of him.”
Cody thought it was a neat experience to see Boone face his fears.
“But an even better one was watching Erik’s reaction,” said Cody. “He was just as excited as Boone was. I think he is glad to be back here and have a reason to cheer.”
The family has truly enjoyed the winter carnival experience.
“I think this is a great event,” said Cody. “It is cool to see other people coming into town and supporting the ski hill.”
He feels the ski jumping community as a whole is very tight knit.
“It is inviting and everyone is willing to help and give advice,” Cody said. “That is great for us when you are just starting out.”
As for Boone, he was not sure where his future lies with ski jumping.
“I hope I can be as good as my grandpa,” he said.