AOTW: Mat-Su’s Caelynn Carter racks up 5 podium finishes at NYO 2024

WASILLA, Alaska (KTUU) - The Native Youth Olympics are more than just about the games.

Beyond jumping, hopping, and pulling, it’s impacted thousands of athletes. And Caelynn Carter is no different.

“In first grade, we had a class do it in gym, and I tried and was like, ‘Oh my gosh I love this, this is amazing,’” Carter said. “I got hooked into it because of the culture and how kind the people were. Everyone is just so nice, I love to be here every single year.”

For over a decade, the Wasilla sophomore has been enthralled with the games. Obtaining experience that was put to use just last year when Carter took first place in the 2023 Alaskan High Kick, a performance she attributed to her mentors.

“Somebody that I do look up to, Bernard [Clark], He’s a record holder and taught me a lot of what I know,” Carter said.

Little did she know how much of a difference a year would make.

Across three days of competition, Carter walked out of the Alaska Airlines Center with six total awards. Including:

• 1st place in the Alaskan High Kick (74″)
• 1st place in the Scissor Broad Jump (29′8″)
• 1st place in the Kneel Jump (45 1/2″)
• 4th place in the Two-foot High Kick (70″)
• Tied for 4th place in the Seal Hop (94″)
• Girls NYO 2024 Overall Athlete

Through all of those accomplishments, Carter’s scissor jump performance was what really brought out the emotion.

“I screamed when I first go it,” she said. “I screamed in excitement because I was so happy. My second jump was my new PR, and realizing I was only 5 inches away from the record was a great feeling. It shows how my hard work paid off.”

While not of Alaska Native descent herself, Carter says she — like many other athletes — have used the games as a way to learn and grow outside of the sport as well.

“I’m not personally from this culture, but I do love it. I love how people are willing to share it, they’re willing to express to people that ‘We’re not going to be quiet about our culture, we’re gonna show it off and express ourselves. I think that’s one of the things I love about NYO,” Carter said.

And even with multiple performances that had jaws dropping throughout each day, her thoughts tend to stay outward.

“I absolutely love my team, they’re amazing,” Carter said. “I love people off my team and on my team. The home people are amazing. I just love this environment a lot. NYO’s amazing, I’m so happy I get to be here. I love this place.”

Copyright 2024 KTUU. All rights reserved.