Casey Colby, a local Ski Jumper from Lake Placid, participated in the 1998 Olympics in Nagano, Japan.
Ski Jumps In Lake Placid
Casey Colby- A Local Olympian
Casey Colby, a local Ski Jumper from Lake Placid, participated
in the 1998 Olympics in Nagano, Japan.
Ski Jumps In Lake Placid
A Ski Jumper at recent competitions
Local Programs and Organizations....
Lake Placid Ski Club
Colby says that the Lake Placid Ski Club has possibly been the reason for
the start of his career, since they offer a jumping program for kids who
want to try out the sport. Colby states, "Without the organization
at that early stage there would be no other stages down the road."
New York Ski Education Foundation
NYSEF is another local program which focuses
little bit more on older athletes. In this program there are year round
coaches who organize training camps, transportation, registrations, and
competitions for competing at a higher level.
ORDA
The Olympic Regional Development Authority was developed to keep the facilities
open and in good condition. Colby states that, "ORDA does alot more
for athletes here than anyone gives them credit, they exist to keep the
facilities open, and that's exactly what they do."
As for the Town Of Lake Placid....
"I have some mixed feelings about it.
I won't ever say that LP was against any athletes goals, but sometimes it
seems like the general public of LP knows less about the Olympics and the
facilities than the tourists do. Not many people in LP go out and try the
luge and bobsled runs, or use Mt. Vanhovenberg. I think most of the LP residents
have never been to the jumps to watch a competition or even just visit."
However....
"Lots of people do support the athletes in town. Local businesses
sponsor clubs, and individuals who volunteer are the ones who make things
happen. Because of my jumping I have met and am on a first name basis with
more people in LP than I would be if I were not an athlete. People like
the past couple mayors, the last two CEO's of ORDA, the people who run the
individual facilities, and a bunch of business owners.These are generally
the folks who spend the most time making sure there is always the opportunity
for athletes in Lake Placid."
The Biggest Influence For Colby:
"The biggest influence in my jumping around the LP area was,
and still is, the United States Olympic Training Center. The OTC was built
to provide living space, training facilities, and sports medicine for the
athletes. They allow athletes the luxury to take on their sport full-time,
since that is what it takes to be competivitve in any sport now. The staff
makes things very easy and comfortable for everyone; as long as you follow
the rules, which is a very small price to pay."
US Ski Team
"Of course the US Ski Team had alot to do with my skiing once
I reached a certain level. Without the team and its funds skiers would rarely
get any international experience and opportunity. I traveled the world while
they paid the bill. I competes at the best facilities in the world and against
the best ski jumpers ever because they had the money to send me there and
pay for the coaching staff to get me there."
