Nena Smith, Scissors Broad Jump

On April 14-15, 2006, Bristol Bay Schools, in Naknek, hosted a Native Youth Olympics (NYO) Meet. There were three teams competing: Bristol Bay, South Naknek, and Dillingham. Over 30 athletes competed.

The event pictured above consists of the athlete standing, with both feet behind the starting line. Then he/she begins by jumping both feet at the same time, landing on one foot. This is followed by a second jump crossing feet in mid-jump, landing on the free foot. Then the athlete jumps from this position, landing flat on both feet without leaning forward or backward. It is important to have continuous movement throughout. The athlete who has the longest attempt is the winner.

This event developed during seal and walrus hunts, where the hunter had to develop balance and quick reflexes to jump from one ice floe to another, with the ice shifting in the water.

©Photo by Tawnie Myers

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