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Young athletes in Southeast Wisconsin drawn to the slopes by the Winter Olympics

Posted at 10:12 PM, Feb 16, 2018
and last updated 2018-02-17 00:34:19-05

The Olympics are motivating young athletes in Southeast Wisconsin to hit the slopes.  

"I mostly watch Shaun White and Chloe Kim cause I think they're both really good," said Katie Heidnich, 13.

It's been a busy week at Little Switzerland in Slinger thanks to the Olympics.

"They go out after watching TV and they want to give everything a shot out here," said Jen Gilmore.

The young athletes have their eyes on specific events.

"Snowboarding, boardercross," said Christian Kondrakiewicz, 12.

"I've been watching the speed skiing and a lot of the half pipe snowboarding," Ellie Greco, 14.

Many kids are now interested in taking a leap themselves.

"Our lesson inquiries have definitely gone up.  Our snowboarding has really skyrocketed within the last week here," said Gilmore.

The skiers and snowboarders are taking notes from the Olympic pro's.

"It's just really cool like it's kind of unbelievable like how they can do all those different tricks," said Greco.

"How to stay balanced and how to do certain tricks," said Raine Fredericks, 11.

"You can just really tell it's their passion like when they're done after a good run they like cry and that just makes me so motivated to come out and feel that passion," said Sophie Greco, 14.

Some are even thinking gold.

"Maybe someday you never know," said Greco.

"It's just an honor to be in the Olympics," said Gabe Collins.

Family Ski Night is coming up at Little Switz February 25.  For information about lessons visit their website.