Black Diamond: Why American aerials globes are truly on top this year

By Published On: March 17th, 2015Comments Off on Black Diamond: Why American aerials globes are truly on top this year

For the first time in history, the U.S. has won both men’s and women’s globes in aerials this season. While thrilling, the victories are made even more so by the routes that took the athletes to the top.

It all began with some forward thinking seven years ago. Two ideas emerged: first, to look for gymnasts who can be taught to ski, copying an already a successful concept the Chinese have practiced successfully during the past 15 years. The second was the creation of a program to provide both a high school education and a competent coaching program, all at a facility built for aerial training.

Enter two kids from the shores of Long Island Sound — Madison, Conn., hardly a hotbed for skiers. True, they were skiers who spent weekends with their families in Vermont. (Both athletes tried alpine racing but it didn’t take.)

Mac Bohonnon took up freestyle in the footsteps of his older brother. He was invited an elite camp in Lake Placid, where he was spotted and then recruited to join the aerial team. His childhood friend and former schoolmate, Kiley McKinnon, a soccer player and a gymnast, responded to impassioned Facebook post from Mac about aerials. The concept infatuated her. She hooked her parents by venturing to Lake Placid and convincing them aerials were for her.  The rest of the story is in the record books.

The key to this noteworthy success is USSA program that combines locating athletes, some of whom are gymnasts, and providing them not only great training but education, as well.

For a specialty sport such as aerials, this type of developmental path provides perhaps the only route to success in today’s highly competitive discipline. As an add-on to the aerial elite program, USSA has launched a $3 million improvement fund to update the facilities in Park City. USSA has also continued its relationship with Westminster College, allowing Bohonnon and McKinnon an almost expense-free opportunity for a degree.

Congratulations to both Mac Bohonnon and Kylie McKinnon for their victories, and kudos to USSA for having the foresight and staying power to provide a complete program that can produce not only success, but also educated success.

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About the Author: Gary Black