PARK CITY, UT – It doesn't matter if you're from a red state or a blue state, this electoral season it's a tight race for the Sports Illustrated for Kid's cover contest. Every vote counts for ski jumper Nina Lussi (Lake Placid, NY) as the final two candidates will be announced Monday, Oct. 6 for the annual Sports Kid of the Year.
Voting for the title, which will grant one young sportster the honor of gracing the cover as well as a trip to New York City to attend the Sports Illustrated's Sportsman of the Year awards, closes at noon ET on Oct. 6. Vote now and vote often as multiple ballots are accepted online at http://www.sikids.com/sportskid/index.html.
At 14-years of age, U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association club ski jumper Lussi is actively in the hunt and one of two winter sports athlete in the running. She has made it through countless rounds of voting, beating out thousands of her athletic peers, to become one of the final four. The race for the cover will narrow next week and every vote counts.
An athlete with the New York Ski Education Foundation, Lussi was recognized by SI for Kids for winning the 2008 Junior National Ski Jumping Championships at the Junior Olympics in Ishpeming, MI last March. But, the people who have worked with her over the years, including members of the inaugural women's U.S. Ski Jumping Team, have their own thoughts on why she should be SI Sports Kid of the Year:
Jessica Jerome two-time U.S. ski jumping champion, Park City, UT
Nina is such a gifted athlete. Not only is she extremely naturally talented, she has so much dedication and discipline, especially for how young she is. She is crazy about ski jumping and works her butt off, her heart is in it 110 percent.
Alissa Johnson Continental Cup winner, Park City, UT
I have known Nina for a while now, and she is an absolute joy to be around. Training with her can be a breath of fresh air. I can't wait for the day she will be named to the team. She really is a great young woman and deserves the cover of that magazine.
Abby Hughes two-time bronze medalist at U.S. championships, Park City, UT
I think she should be the SI Kid of the Year because I have watched her progress and excel throughout years of training and competing with her, and I believe she has stepped up her game. She is focused and always so excited to jump and is a gifted athlete who is extremely coachable. I have worked with her a few times, and she listens and wants to get better and be the best she can be. We all know she has what it takes to be one of the best women ski jumpers in the world.
Brenna Ellis member of the inaugural Junior World Championships' event for women, Park City, UT
Nina is extremely talented and has always been at the top of her age group. She trains hard and has a great attitude.
Show your support and start voting! Visit http://www.sikids.com/sportskid/index.html and have your vote heard for Sports Kid of the Year.
Source: USSA
