Today I saw a real class act by one of the World's best overall skiers.  It
was a selfless, well concealed sacrifice that no-one knew about until
after.

Jimmy Siemers on his first jump, went out the front door and landed on his
back.  He bit his tongue and got winded (so we thought).  It was kind of
funny because he was checking in the mirror of the Ski Nautique pickup boat
to see if he had lost his "stud" but, he bit his tongue thru.  We brought
him to shore to have the US Doctor check him out and Jimmy was thinking
country - not himself.  He didn't tell the whole story....

And, because the doctor and team captain thought he was under a time limit,
they let him go again after checking his tongue - this was Jimmy's plan and
he played it well.  I was watching from the video jump tower and thought he
might have been winded but, I also was fooled.  Everybody was fooled -
Jimmy didn't flinch - he was a team man!

Jimmy went out again and jumped two more times - not great jumps but,
significantly farther than all the rest in the field.  I thought he did
fairly well considering the "stack" just prior.

Hours later, Steve Bush, the Canadian Team Coach came to me and told me the
real story.  Jimmy busted some ribs.  He went out, knowing that they (the
US Team) didn't have a back-up jumper in the 17-21 division.  He knew that
they needed scores desperately.  He did it for his country.....

I have to tell you that this is what sportsmanship and dedication to the
cause is all about.  I am impressed with this young athlete and know that
he will be not only a competitor to be admired by the world, he will be a
role model for all up and coming skiers.  I wished that he hadn't but,
Jimmy is the type of athlete that any country would want to have on their
team!

I applaud this young athlete and hope that you do as well.

Vern Oberg, President
IWSF Pan Am Region