The 'Toe Kick': After a 10-year hiatus, the 2024 Native Youth Olympics kicks off with a classic

Updated: Apr. 26, 2024 at 4:59 PM AKDT
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The Native Youth Olympics took place April 25-27 at the Alaska Airlines Center on the UAA Campus, and Dave was there on Thursday for the first athletic competition: the Toe Kick! Official Description: “Starting from a standing position behind a line, athletes jump with feet together over a stick, tapping it with their toes before launching again, and landing on both feet. After each round, the stick is moved in four-inch increments away from the start line. When all but three athletes have been eliminated, the stick is moved in one-inch increments until there is a winner. The Toe Kick teaches individuals to be light on their feet, and simulates the motion needed for jumping from ice patch to ice patch.” Dave spoke to Nicole Johnson, the head official (for 20 years!) and former NYO athlete and champion about what is involved in the "Toe Kick" and the Alaska Native history of the event. He also got a few sights and sounds and spoke with some of the youth, ages 12-19 (7th to 12th grades). This was the first year back for the Toe Kick competition after a 10-year hiatus. It was removed in 2014 in a pairing-down due to time constraints. There were big crowds for the event and competitors and spectators seemed to truly enjoy the Toe Kick as the kickoff event to the NYO games. Have a story idea? Email Dave at Allgoodnews@ktuu.com