Whitney Childers, Salt Lake City, UT: an interview by Eric Halcomb, 6 March 2013

Transcript (26 pages) of an interview by Erin Halcomb with Whitney Childers on March 6, 2013, in Salt Lake City, Utah.

WHITNEY CHILDERS Salt Lake City, UT by An Interview Erin Halcomb 6 March 2013 EVERETT L. COOLEY COLLECTION Outdoor Recreation Oral History Project U-3201 American West Center and Library Special Collections Department University of Utah J. Willard Marriott Salt Lake City, Utah THIS IS AN INTERVIEW WITH WHITNEY CHILDERS ON MARCH THE INTERVIEWER IS ERIN HALCOMB. THIS IS THE OUTDOOR 6, 2013. RECREATION ORAL HISTORY PROJECT. TAPE No. 3201. Okay. EH: It is March 6th. I'm Erin Halcomb and I'm Childers. We're here to talk about the where were born in Tulsa, I EH: Can you talk to WC: I had been West was a Ski was was a working we were ski jumpers. with first Whitney, Whitney off, when and you born? WC: husband lady sitting here a me Oklahoma, about in 1974. out to Utah? coming newspaper reporter and editor for twelve at different newspapers and city editor and at the paper in Boise. I managing different newspapers. we was We a were like, oh, crap, here few months. So we over the At the time had just moved there from Boise when I six months pregnant and Sam Racing magazine-Sam's my husband. They decided to just been there thirteen years and my sports editor and sports writer and we'd kind of been moving all living in Boulder, Colorado, City (laughs). or we go. And we move was operations kind of had to editing to Salt Lake come ... we moved out here kind of unwillingly-but, you had know, you just have to do what you have to do certain times of your life-in 2007. EH: Okay. WC: Then I had That's how we a baby and wasn't working ended up in Utah. EH: How did you get involved with the ski WC: I was, I think when my or seven months, answered a for the first time in my professional life. I started call for an son was a looking editor for position jumpers? little bit less than some part-time a year I guess he work to write and edit at the Wasatch Journal. 1 old, was again. six I They were looking for a Whitney 6 March 2013 Childers part-time editor. It was a great magazine. It glossy magazine that you just don't fiction, non-fiction. interviewed, I a It met Bill was an was Kerig and Ski to take my Bill hired me. That was in, a story came through from little bit about it just because my husband worked at thought about it because the story not was good that shallow and not well done. So Bill and I talked about like, "You've got to do this story. It's So I ended up the 411 on in Salt Lake (laughs) stately, was to and I didn't Lindsey's meet you. I want to get to know right. doing Bikram I'm what great.. you've got . coming." they were only female impressed with her. I thought respected her, yoga at was just really on it. Sam's to go check it out." even I wow, I have barely been was a really interesting woman, very know her. Lindsey and I said, said, "What 0' clock in the So I did hot yoga with thought, mayor in this very conservative state she number. I called you." seven in. It Corradini and kind of got a, she just kind of gave talk to the me "I'm a came re-writing it, working what women's ski jumping is all about. I City and I get and I and calling Deedee So she gave see next. I career Racing and they covered all ski sports. I remembered calling him and asking him what he me people, poetry, ski jumpers and their battle to try to get into the women a well-written, beautiful in 2008. editor at the Journal and about six months Games. I kind of knew very anymore. Good stories about just where I really wanted freelance writer about these Olympic see literary, very was are you doing this "I just want to week?" She morning in Park City." I'm said, like, "All Lindsey and Alissa Johnson. I just wanted to all about. Then I went and sat down and had breakfast with them afterward and kind of just got to know them. That started my 2 reporting on the story. Whitney 6 March 2013 Childers Then I also had all journalists do, a long talk with Jessica Jerome and Peter Jerome I wrote their story and loved feature and it a ran in the winter of 2008 and I just really loved gender inequality that still existed able to tell about this great being and wrote a, like today. I think what struck they don't know they wanted is I'm ten years older than the oldest what the National the first and second that me to wave jump They don't know they weren't carrying members of any feminist society. What so are this you is, as we Later that City. threw him said hi to I So it .. we some really need wrote and I think you right now. in my life be and jump. They didn't see a want to be card­ to Cup I don't know what I'm 3 was themjump--and I packed up my son a magazine can and I'm really like have a we and and or what you lot of time to do trying for the either. So Cup at while. He get the word out, press releases doing there, bye. and perspectives. in December of 2008 and it Would you be interested? I lot of work with the long that kind of reengaged back into the of the others and talked with Peter Jerome for helping us? so and went and watched that Continental help trying is like, "This is wrong! talk to them about their Continental they knew you remain unbiased for get it." I said, "Well, I don't know if I I've got a mom. a backpack some whatever. Would you mind that interesting to .I just wanted to go my back in the Lindsey and said, "Hey, was any of that. All I'm of that bent. I'm you're a journalist, winter, they had packed up on allowed to know, kind of one of the first times political community. Park But when doing?" the team and Organization for Women is. They don't know about of feminism. and ones on first time just kind of said hi Whitney 6 March 2013 Childers Then couple a of months later, the great recession 6f2009. 1 started me us again. again? He's a getting ready to We're going to get a persistent bird dog lot of press call." 1 our ... 1 and died lovely magazine was a week. 1 think 1 didn't have any money. 1 of be an said, "Hey, would you be interested in go to the 2009 World Championships. said, "Well, maybe. might be Jerome agreed to thought it do it for a 1 and trying to (laughs), they talked to do and what both and 1 liked in this coffee me shop, with. 1 Lindsey and Jessica a lot Then all of a sudden, you amount because they help 1 can and 1 could kind was saying. Coffee Bean, with Vic Method and Peter really organization and what they were connected with them and 1 like them and wanted to the 2009 World give so unbiased journalist, like 1 for two hours about the they needed help We know we're big hearts really wicked cheap an helping out of work here soon sounded like fun and wanted to advocate for the first time and not just 1 sat here Peter Jerome called right around that time and 1 like your story and 1 like you guys and 1 think you have five hours unfortunate death in an help. Championships come around and 1 remember waking up the morning of the World Championships-it was in Liberec, Czech no Republic-and 1 matter what women to was happened. was so historic because it was compete in ski jumping. 1 just remember getting o'clock in the morning because 1 hadn't seen and he from moderate a ... we did said, "She did it." results yet, getting more detail cliche, It all set to do press releases that big I'm day and the first a help get the word out one were like, "What there and wrote a ever allowed call from Vic Method at six are you they hadn't posted yet. Lindsey won. people who that talking about?" Then 1 ended up release and 1 guess helped call-in for her with other reporters and then I guess the rest, to be is kind of history. 4 Whitney SQ I've job I've 6 March 2013 Childers ever four years nQW, which is the second stayed with them going 'On had in my life. I'm not newspapers, yQU know ... and I can even kidding (laughs), 'Only do about ten hours longest because when yQU work in week fQr them in the middle a 'Of everything else I dQ. explain for your exact role job description? EH: SQ WC: It's kind 'Of evolved and with every kind of non-profit some can yQU me SQrt 'Of breeding talent in another area, yQU 'Or pitch in to help what I dQ is all communications and media and press for the because I can Then I also cajoling story is whether helped quite and SQ a bit with all the working with the ski perception 'Of it and and who jumpers 'Owning it. SQ hQW do yQU wondering what yQU YQU know, them wants to help to the mark four years, and I do for the and tech everything from large part and their have in helping them learn lens and stuff, organization. they're going to nQW, and a organization help explain why this through the be yQU have 'Out. But then 99% 'Of stuff. It's been nauseam That's kind of been their story, I guess is the best way to history, about telling their story and 'Of it, if you want to IQ0k gaining their trust and just helping tell explain it. them understand abQut the gender complexity? I'm just 'Offer them? I think give them that person that is the to ad they want to philosophically 'Over the past WC: fundraising important, helping them understand being proud EH: anything tech related, they don't understand 'Or believe that right media and at it also build websites. S'O organization, a they've been talked a SQ long, right? Everyone history lesson. They just want lecturer; that's SUPPQrt them and be at for not my role; tQ jump, right? 'Older than SQ I try to not be I'm not their parent. I want to be there contemporary, but it's mostly that, yQU know, it's kind of like 5 Whitney the old adage in writing, them. So, is not I'm you show, don't tell. They don't need another talking head of have to ask them-what I've hopefully-I don't know, you'll they know they hope 6 March 2013 Childers can trust me internally whether it's helping them accomplish being able to see as an the organization helped or them do to the media. I bigger picture by showing them, telling them. So if that's in the stories and the releases that I write about them and who are. Or whether it's in the media Olympics, the into this year before the down for a long time training. We did a media attention's just they can having to lecture young women. women's lib I see them, means what others so They just to speak. to them and how are doing I think don't want to be we sat on that. But watched we a lot of and they feel they're changing the why it's important to they already know a say that. them without They're poster child. They don't want me very savvy to be a poster child. They really don't. think, I watched difference makers, ... did you watch the PBS series last week changers, history makers? that second wave generation, and I kind of was It was of feminism in the '70s and that and Sarah Henderson's I'm almost be tenfold. So going athletes, especially, conduct themselves and what they women about their sport and what it world. So going to October and and I didn't do the "Here's how you talk to reporters, dah, dah, dah," They know that. They don't need to be schooled video and how other training in they thirty-nine, having to fight the looking world, their at it through eyes, and that and down. It's not that same fights that the women fabulous. But it talked generation, the a lot about the Gloria Steinem Lindsey Van and Jessica Jerome generation, probably starts with mine, they reject feminism; they didn't grow generation did. 6 on I mean, many of them were up born to Whitney mothers who but 6 March 2013 Childers were already doctors they saw their mothers have she could chose to be and a basically be but that's a and the Sarah's and the kind of foreign to boys, that's all just not a them, they knew. concept to things, a intelligent, great woman, she went to teacher. And that's today different ... world, except when they started in way, When even So my growing up Lindseys to do this and the Jessicas a world where particular sport. though they were jumping with men they were told no them, because they had not for the first time in their seen it or mom actually science and not weren't born into no, a was I think the think, and Alissas of the fine, great. that's what I learned so field, which whole other story. So I Abbys at home moms that did other stay or very a nurse or a went into they were automatically told was My mom, teacher. But if you asked her maybe that's why I journalism, lawyers choice, whereas the generation from the '70s, their mothers didn't have that choice. college, or experienced and lives, it like It it was generations before. Does that make sense? EH: there Uh-huh, Yeah. When I went to the was a Ready bit of a discussion with the audience WC: I know where EH: And WC: Their female heroes. Who EH: Yeah. WC: Not EH: Right. WC: Yeah. you're going to somebody had one to ... go. asked about their mentors. are your female heroes? of them said another female hero. Instead the Fly movie boy jumpers or whatnot. 7 in Park City, afterwards Whitney 6 March 2013 Childers You know them closer than I do. I EH: themselves WC: I as can tell you I ideals, I cringed when that question came up and not one of them could I, being the media person and being, I try to identify myself with these was like ... ah. Say something! Say Jackie Joyner-Kersey. Say I don't know. Come up with Anthony. first identified athletes, but I don't know. answer, because feminist thought, well, maybe they just something that shows that you're Susan B. thinking outside of the ski jumping and yourself. And you nailed it. First and their world. That's what they love to do, it they do foremost, they live, eat, breathe ski jumping. That's six days wasn't about male or a week. And to them in their world and what female, it was who's the best? Who Who do I want to be like? And for half the team to their brothers. Then the other jumped, so I think that So what's continue to get this going to want to we on talked about that afterward and I question because my generation they all said maybe part of it's able to that. I mean, I think back when I also age. But somebody? Maybe. Maybe not. to, so and that, they were like, know. And see But they that. I remember going, oh!, Because that's great quote, right? It's because the a "You're going older, especially women, and to are your heroes are, who you "We're ski jumpers. I don't they just, was said, they will later in " ... you life, they'll be twenty-one, could I have named also didn't have female ski jumpers to look up you look up to whoever's the best in your field. But that's a they looked up themselves. identify you with, they want to hear who looked up to." And so I watch? half, Jessica and Lindsey, didn't have older brothers that they just depended funny is they all had brothers, can storyteller in you great quote. 8 funny that you mention wants it to come full circle. Whitney 6 March 2013 Childers Yeah. And in my mind when I heard about Karla Keck and when I interviewed EH: Deedee and had met you, I there is something that WC: And let's face it, in the world, one look at the world ninety percent success as a I think has to you're thing only. beyond of their human individual athlete and the being is can reason mean a see mom, she's had a you can't be human and step back and life, because they all do. they have appropriate times out of it at the all shown to do that, which is So talk to me and career, but she about what you But for was in the forefront in perspective perceive as maybe a is these five give back why I like them, interesting that, because she's stepped into rea11ife stuff. I would be interested to know what her EH: your focus to be selfish to be the best in the world. Now the they step what she thinks about ... why you're the best world, is because you're selfish in That doesn't time, they have thought, okay, from just that driven athletic mind to that Some athletes you can't say that about. I think it would be Karla and She's come you know. So I they choose, you and those who affect your and think about others? I think right? an do of the best in the or are some and you look at thought how if you talk to now, right? lot of the ski jumping days. pivotal moments for these ladies. WC: Since I've known them EH: Regardless. from your or just the If you fee11ike you history in general? can speak to history or if you want to just speak experience. might give you more than WC: I think two EH: I didn't want to overwhelm you with ten WC: I write about this .. .I everyday so I'm five. I won't talk about all five. or something. like, oh, okay, all just because I think I have them all in there. 9 go back to my F AQs Whitney 6 March 2013 Childers Probably first pivotal was they got the Continental Cup and the said, "Okay, International Ski Federation consistent international when we competitions," which is sports world. That means you're legitimized and you want to hold Second was right around that were denied an access event to where you probably when FIS same think a you're good enough to to where can people to the 2010 Games. So those across were any kind of the world. Championships. denied-I think it they were world, hold going to spend money are get better, all voted to have World time1ine is when ski big thing in the now was in all decisions that had And then 2006-they happened beforehand, that I thought were pretty pivotal, especially when they were denied. when the heat got turned up and it attracted Corradini, the Vic Methods of the world, member, was an right." point who That sort of galvanized wanted to make it their Annette is 2008, 2007-Deedee [unclear], she's an executive board executive board member of the IOC from the u.S. You started lot of heavy hitters involved at that make it people-this history quite right, a which bit, and to a said "this is wrong and we're group of very getting a going to heady, powerful people who probably changed Lindsey and Jessica's, some That is extent Alissa Johnson. the They were the course of oldest at the time. Then the next pivotal actually it was before that, Organizing Committee. catapulted them into a it was They was probably the 2008 when World they decided to Championships sue ... well, the Vancouver announced that and filed the papers in 2008. That category of you often hear saying? Quiet women never EH: moment ... women, you know You know what I'm No. 10 talking about? ... what is that Whitney WC: It's sort of really some reached every avenue you don't want to they felt sue case about it. think that, you And it .. or was an on a be they had the follow, a a ostracized, the first to their side that it upon-I was through legal was and scary time for the lawsuit. think that just wrong and that action and have Lindsey and They were team. You're You can't advance in your so on, then itpro a bono. I the they were going your whole ski jumper, but if you something, you could get So what do you do? I think world, and that kind of P:ut Lindsey won the heroine to follow from that putting Jessica because Jessica, then they both got the thirteen others across Championships, afraid career as a you're kind of screwed, right? sign year later when that point first World was on. Championships, hugely significant. As you saw a from the stamp on to it. and when You had a hero to film, she's thrust into somewhere she doesn't want to be and that's kind of where the story, part really started, of the looked down you can't advance either. And if you do first World spotlight, society and other societies, our law firm in Vancouver that would do sign onto Of course, the next year, all Then they felt like they had .1 think something-it's extremely stressful to be the first to Lindsey was on. .. especially in attention in the media They luckily got something, kicked out of it, your way into you're kind of stuck. don't do the much as, and as ostracized, kicked out, dropped by the ski career. sign cliche about know, kind of catapulted it into that next level of notoriety and pushed. they asked them that kitschy they had enough public opinion like court to be and only way to get the the was 6 March 2013 Childers heartache, I think in too. a lot of ways, for Lindsey Very stressful, the politics just purely be happy that your and some of the others, and a lot of being involved in that. You couldn't sport finally got the World Championships and you couldn't go onto the next, that's kind of when the stress and 11 politics and the hurt of all of Whitney it 6 March 2013 Childers really got ramped up. sitting and at home and they marched. Another trade just writing letters I know that's sport in the world, but it means a Women didn't to their congressmen; big comparison to make, lot a off, right? more to a lot more earn they got right to the by out in the streets ski jumping, people, vote a tiny little niche why they got which is behind them. by the The decision discrimination even though it on British Columbia didn't they would mean LO.C. Then there's the Goliath, EH: David and Goliath? WC: David and EH: (laughs) WC: I mean, it's the epitome huge blow. Then, obviously, to ski jump our private throughout the were a in 2011. That where the IOC made you into It ... just gender was a huge blow, was a ... equal huge political, embarrassing blow to the what's his name? I've got to go back to my ? Goliath, yeah. I haven't had enough coffee yet (laughs). of the David and Goliath. You don't go after the LO.C. especially young women do was a was allow them to jump; that decision did not you know Biblical studies. Who did Goliath it did and it Court that it the part of the LO.C. not to allow them to compete. It letting them compete in Vancouver. And Supreme a That was a right on LO.C., do they announced club." A very stressful time, very done with each finally they would the heels of the 2011 World deal out of saying, "If you do entire team. At that not embarrass the point, LO.C., and significant moment. year later when was big not go after the I think Championships, good here, negative allow them little stressful they'd just reached gals, we'll let feelings going their limit. They other, done with the process. Did have great championships. 12 Whitney 6 March 2013 Childers Then it all kind of just culminated to everyone is sitting around the table Bill's and didn't want to make crew didn't know which way it mostly just relief, to like and a like, ahhhh. Finally on and say, You know? That . Then when the World was "Oh, Cup was doesn't wonderful, charming about it is she took lady, clapped?" To champion, and now a won She saw for this organization, doing. last Jessica and Alissa and each other. because This is Lindsey don't want to was some but it was ever and extent, yeah. But it just too forty. But, Cup, she was young to be part of a very smart, the great thing Sarah's a see her do so the first World they all overstating it, are American now. I think love Sarah and want to but in produce. a lot of ways she's That doesn't go kick her butt whenever well and Cup week, she won the World They're competitors first; they want to organization and to obviously, hear, lot of people also want biggest thing Championships kind of a beacon for that: look what we've been able to mean, point, to pretty significant. the first World So two out of the three World boost her up and love what she's for the a clue. She says the words. She's I don't know if you she's, hugely significant competing a they had was that, and because of her talent and dedication, what she does, she's it to the next level. She that is it the but won't get it till she's just taking Championships. in. "And there and that started and Sarah Hendrickson took off and she is the really have young one camera celebratory to was product of what her older fellow jumpers fought for. Probably still and in Deedee's house when event out of it when go, and it everyone cried and jumped up and cheered and it. th "finally. Finally they have let us put that emotion of celebration was, 11 they only allowed big press going to was April they're win. But it's they produced that in mean a a that all good vibe lot of ways. I great athlete, very talented, very dedicated, but I don't think 13 6 March 2013 Whitney Childers I'm overstating it if I pathway for someone And that say that so many like her to be able to take it and brings us to onl y a with it. Ell: Was that WC: Well,it was always known that compete in Sochi, but anticipated? the World on either. There's won't be in the Ell: That WC: No. Cup on Olympics. was no So I think got get all the to they want to and being in the Olympics they're or as a not allowed to team event allowed to do that yet consistently, it ... and WC: I think the next year People are going to .. I didn't .it all leading up comes and it on see men it, are They're going on Did you in the to that? no. 14 that, I think, first. Olympics? to be the media darlings. support them. It will be interesting filter because NBC how much attention see accomplishment they made and honor it, they're going through the NBC depends Friday. to get. But everybody knows the process and honor what getting to compete love their story. Olympics, big piece events the things change now that they So how do how much same really celebrate be able to Ell: the and until large hill, they're surprise then? and with the the way it is because the K120, which is the everything process to a was No, there's really not parity yet. Deedee will tell you first thing: parity. Parity next. We've Ell: are certain event, correct? Yeah. see make that now. WC: ran run Yeah. Did you guys have any discussion about how the ladies Ell: to people helped make that happen, owns everything they want to give. They just Whitney 6 March 2013 Childers it, which is kind of their first big nod-they've never I'll send you the link to WC: covered it. time, it They've never covered this was a was on Rock Center, it I think the next year is be media intense. I'm going to Norway with the team for the last two World to answer your doing big is big. They're considering they want to it as a cover and happen is wonderful. I think what will we'll get a feature on them. That's kind of tell the whole story and that's through the Sochi-this sport where you push the barriers-it will be great and wonderful and wins, whether it's a Japanese hugely celebratory and to be another team a looking or an American or a French great accomplishment, for money, like a EH: Uh-huh. WC: We've talked about that they're just going to by their government, every dollar, but it's because push they're like not in the forward. We'll a quite a everybody else, like it's lot of organizations going to how matter who whoever, to be the best I think will they're going they can be and anymore. Does that make sense? going to be progressively harder do, and they're going to be fighting for be with the fervor and the So I think it's beyond. 15 storyline they have now, going to be long Lindsey and Jessica and continue to jump after the Games. If you're in thirties and no in every be another American team out there that doesn't get funded Olympics, right? see bit, woman or happens lot of tears. And then you're going to lose that story. They won't be special because prime question? things changed, Cups because New York Times Magazine be at was on ten, twelve-minute piece mostly about Lindsey. So how have going to issue. So it good health, some you a lot harder to kind of of the older can jump ones well into your Whitney 6 March 2013 Childers Can you talk about the international EH: American Park City jumpers played a community and role in the sport your perception of has gaining momentum with the women overall? Yeah, they definitely led, the Americans definitely led, with help from the WC: Canadians. And that's just part of our culture in North people don't like us around the quietly and let the process run. go world, too, probably, because And because through is probably why they're from America, which is why a lot of we pushed push, we you know, four or Americans do, but this country with once international community as it became that, right? and money and that's why community an a eight years whole loves ski jumping way better than the equal rights So that's where you and we issue we have idly by; a huge history in and galvanize support that's the culture, right? The galvanize people don't just stand and Peter Jerome and here, maybe Deedee maybe spoke little, but they didn't really want to push the envelope. They didn't want to They didn't want to make waves; they just wanted the process would way, "Oh, they would have gotten that." Others would EH: quietly now. The international some don't sit and didn't let the process Olympics not, in the we was against you? WC: Country-wise, EH: Both. or was really with And just people were in you, the there any general? 16 . happen. didn't need to disagree, quietly support it, but not want to So who do you feel like And then who in. You to go about this go to court. I think that through all of ruffle the waters. lady ski jumpers, through this? surprises to you? a Whitney 1 think the WC: athletes, German. 6 March 2013 Childers Anette Canadians, obviously, Sagen, she's Norwegian, [ unclear]. They all wanted be in the Games. Whether really speak to that, behind the scenes or 1 don't people? over talked to But push it, they were know, but outwardly, about how it they don't 1 was, who more they're not going to is let them in." or They'd came never see a down on the side of the You huge story is that people, always there see a speak against it. out to the 1 It world, was jumpers opposition. And WC: Locally? EH: Yeah, support was hard when 1 said, "Well, same reasons the a balancing te LO.C. that the ... voice for you. 1 right way to write and the newspapers 1 think that's opposition that Were there any hesitancy? 17 a story," and reporters and columnists you [unclear], why it became you such a might expect outside lot of ways. Yeah, right. So what about real local. 1 "Well, who else. There have got to be other right thing to do, EH: that here. we sue from the journalism "I want to find see were some handled and kind of kept their distance didn't women you just didn't Fairytale story in or sure not, they go back like, 1 can't they just kind of stayed lot. No, shocked at the number of people that just that, right? of the LO.C. was say, want to tell you because 1 think that's the always not Gralller, she's really pushed was, said, "Well, who's against you guys?" say you should be in." I'm kept being countries just coming people they have their reasons, legitimate but 1 or Ulrike all great athletes that wanted to in other countries like sue maybe this the years at how ajournalist, people that Lindsey. very close with and let the Americans take the lead. I'm because of it, because shocked to with the Americans. Then individual not their federations disagreed with it, vehemently, Other were surprises for you? Whitney WC: Oh, because 6 March 2013 Childers ... I'm or trying to think. Not that anyone verbalized to politics from Utah-from time to "Oh, here comes Deedee Corradini. She's message over and a again. She stays ask for money and believes that she's these jumpers and she's been But because of her political aisle, going to tell us a huge on a inclusive of both, and on was bird force in side, people would be like, about the ski jumpers women and she goes back to the dog asking for money to help mayor, the other anything was pushing that along and and the fact that she's even you do the though I think she right thing to help helping gain support. on one was side of the probably pretty always have people that look about ski jumpers just because it's Deedee. But at Deedee and the other on hand, because it was Deedee and because of the kind of respect she held here so much came respects and hear to the team because of that. can grumblings elicit both. But think she's done great ER: things Yeah, pretty amazing. once in WC: that you see for outward about while. But I'm a a big masses lightning rod in some it; I just kind of would defender of Deedee. I state like this. to look for in the state, funding. Really hard. Olympics there was, Are there any other ... think, Abby's twenty-three, in the a You had made mention about after the Yeah, there's going to be jumpers a really and it's hard to do that in there will be stress with just joining the challenges But, you know, she's no one was about that every same message. She believes in it. She knows how to political background here and when she not want to hear time I would hear that lot, because Deedee's over it that I heard about. I would hear from time to time that­ me or this is the again." I heard that verbalized, and maybe so a talent gap really, from world, including Sarah, between, Sarah's eighteen, Abby's even though 18 I'm trying to of the best age up, you've got she's little bit younger, and then a some Whitney there's a gap from that age to the next best jumpers in the u.s. Part of that is because the Lindseys J essicas and the they because 6 March 2013 Childers and the grew up in Park excitement that Abbys and the City, were all products of the 2002 around that. So when those facilities ran Sarah, Alissas and were to some Olympic extent, Games and the being prepared for the 2002 Games, the programs and the money for things like ski jumping were ramped up in Park City and Salt Lake participate, and a right? Midwest and lessened, even was were exposed to that, encouraged to behind that, though they do when so they were kind great job a at Utah of brought up Olympic Park. you're were getting the Olympic Games, you have this group of women who've been at the top for some think I've been can come if that really lot of kids So I think there's that gap. and it doesn't leave see a just not the money there was Plus, they So lot of push in program in that culture. That's There's City. see going to a lot of other space for others to of the best up and coming train more full-time because those But after Sarah, you'll see ... themselves, really believe they're the lull, after these older women sports, too, but it will be a are WC: Hell, EH: Why? They want you to? no! (laughs). That's from there. I move out And that a happens in torch for bring that up. We'll themselves and while. you here, are. of ski jumpers, probably carry the really funny that 19 coming will let them generation long time jumping's huge in the they dedicate retiring. time. She loves what she does and she'll be here for So have you been off a ski jump? are very where the best facilities unless next start cliff. And Sarah will EH: up. Ski young jumpers hearing, they're hoping that their parents happens. see a come a Erin! a a you're lot of long, long Whitney 6 March 2013 Childers Yeah, they think WC: he would like me and remember. I'm like forever, but I'm not no do that. and coach, Alan Alborn, who's their coach, go off the 20 meter jump, 40. I'm a skier. or Obviously, the 40? I can't I've skied I would do the twenty, and I want Forty meter. Jenny. Deedee's spring The going off the way I'm going to do it last funny. Jenny and Deedee to Deedee to do too, and supposed to it would be great skier, too; she could do it. So a they were going to make a big we were deal out of it, and they think it's all great. jumping has I mean, ski Lindsey Sarah hero. ... my son is five years infiltrated my life. old, his heroes Hendrickson, right, and all these girls. My husband and I had to presentation on where they go to my came are My little kids know who Jessica and Lindsey Van and Jessica Jerome and I love that. I love that my two-year-old's son school the other from, their background. My husband's a like, let's take the ski jumping stuff, because it's like throughout right? we took Lindsey's and-a-halfyear olds how we left there, I'm old ski jumping boots to ski jump Ten hours WC: This has become my life and EH: day, week one me you lot do of what it a little Norwegian. our house, know, showed these pictures female was two­ like. And (laughs). (laughs). EH: One and showed them like, what has happened to a and, a day to So we're So has day maybe I want to go back to your now I'm showing pre-schoolers how to ski jump. I'll go off. personal story about what you like to write about and you kind of referenced science. And also talk about the other work what interests you. 20 you're doing now and Whitney 6 March 2013 Childers My background, WC: like at Oklahoma State women surrounded it. So I got lot of people, you go to doing, different than you end up five a by lots a but I was a of men, and I got a with organization back an AmeriCorps. You would be work for peanuts, like environmental project. pipe poisoning and and cut the going was an was ... editor for that the next was an were WC: Well, I had, probably like college my senior year of was one biology, because I wanted to write about of being an Then I spent outsider, some so speak. to time in Eastern Corps-it was kind like three or of an offshoot of four cities and you would Work your butt off on a particular working we were programs and awareness ajob on writing was lead about it 1996 and and I'm stayed in newspapers long time and ran a and quickly moved newspaper when I was interesting experience. was a Russia and Eastern lot of people in ready to probably purported myself to be opportunity to a and question? What I want to say, what I got the track to wildlife in Denver. I think at newspapers EH: was. And I think I for newspapers because I had gotten doing to be something completely for that program. So I lost my job, my dream job, before it working I got to learn Then what there placed college. Green right? year, a a for kind of bring that to the forefront. At the time it into management and I twenty-six. day called I had been funding started. So I started working placed in, $10,000 we were really helping to Congress in the in journalism minor, Then I worked for divisions of wildlife after and Russia and then started was through college, little bit of a taste of that Europe biologist. wildlife University who college a lot go to st. move on more Europe? college, 21 was just kind and work and do important that Petersburg I State I of done with important things was or a and big thinker than University in Russia to take a I 6 March 2013 Whitney Childers course on journalism ended up traveling around was what that like. It was work under that old was regime; So how to, I'm started my the course, since the being business and did and working with him doing less some working starving for a an Ready writing Fly, are to a business then, I started Bill, we other writers was plane to have a again, was also doing great relationship, and I love and started more and producing more ski jumping, Bill, throughout the about funding the film work and producing so I was and then a can of filming and .. an hour Cup competition, and he had been crowdfunding was doing. site for .1 raise money for these do, making ten bucks World 22 course of athletes. He used to be constantly trying to for money to do what he a Then side. doing the best they Kickstarter, teaching myself Then I hooked back up with Bill the So that became talking that to and how to do websites. So I editing websites. regular gig. half ago, started begged around when own and I love Fly. know, how they have and I decided I didn't want to work mostly doing women's to take the next former pro athlete and right more talking with journalists, and on, you taught myself code writing on the year and to I storyteller, organization athletes that waitressing, just was on other web sites and writing about Ready it a of the other stuff and Then about was so magazine folded, and able to work with and you're doing now. magazine folded I wanted to start my women's ski jumping stuff as the year after the about what just talk technically [unclear], own visiting Estonia, Latvia, changed much actually. So, yeah. and it hasn't WC: anybody anymore, was great. It grew my perspective Wow. Then I wanted to for well, and as EH: over So I did that for five weeks. Then lot of the former Eastern Bloc states: a in Poland Lithuania and post-Cold War. and journalism He came up the a idea, artists, starting gaining Whitney ground. 6 March 2013 Childers like, He's "What about a crowdfunding site for athletes?" We're great idea." We kind of started bandying that around. He had guy to do architecture some original platform a year ago and the producers RallyMe Ready whole our too, is from the little to gratifying. are to So that's Fly, who's out in New our a It's been probably where Vh-huh. WC: It's EH: Is there a a who is Hampshire, new make he's little a a tech guy, and a lawyer, over one of formed we next far. so day, but Gratifying. it's also do project, I don't can enough to a living everything Lindsey Vans athlete. So it's know, maybe do good we work and feed your family. you know? good. I hope we else that you think is It's athlete, Olympic fantasy world that you we're all at with this really, money and uniforms all the way up to the lot of hard work you live in this some through crowdfunding. make money to be the best lot of work, but it's anything hockey games and that was do-gooder goal to try to team who needs trying to a soft launch in November. yourself in the mirror the EH: of his these athletes raise money both, maybe being writers, still look at during one lot of ideas. He found a he met the guy who had done the together, Bill, myself, [unclear], goal, help league of the world who been formed and launched it and did So out of it for Kickstarter we on planning. Long story short, a like, "That's pertinent to can help share that I a lot of people. really haven't triggered by questions? WC: the No. We talked about this before you turned the tape recorder on, but I think that perspective jumping have that when I look back anymore is, it's on this when I'm not involved with women's ski messy: It's messy to passionate people who love what change the world, they do, 23 and it's messy when you and it's messy to get everybody on the Whitney same 6 March 2013 Childers page, and it's messy to end of the day, I ask for money. But constantly honestly say I worked with can well-meaning people than I probably have I've much it's hard, it's hard to saving populations half of the more they'd you, move from and dying which some change from can proud to that some be on the look at that. I WC: I know where WC: I always same hope good-hearted, a perspective is, bringing women, and better person and small little in sports as yes, even ... they are handled. And you're right now it's and it's so to much treat others education-wise, piece ofthe world you're changing. some not though learning how to with all of my heart that these young a are awareness frivolous, sport [unclear] playing field a things as women can So realize day. role at all, this culture ... you're going with that. say that that to like, "What the hell me more in sport say is are are at the is, this climate? Idaho, Colorado, makes more, which Utah, being in Utah, played Has ... or you day. They don't yet, they won't, but they will EH: EH: all of that career. the world and the becoming health-wise, whatever, then that's I'm far in my hunger, but people may than just sport. Its about and if women as of the most talented, also be the first to criticize how population of the world, through sport, hard lot in journalism, and I think the outside world sometimes may, seen a they support as so some as or on a some are being extent you in Utah-and I've lived in (laughs), Oklahoma-I doing in Utah?" I'm always like, "Utah's fervent in what I believe and what I want to small level or whatever. People 24 in Utah some are a conservative states: tell my friends who are great place." But it also fight for, right? wonderful and Even ifit's loving and Whitney 6 March 2013 Childers caring, but I think there's half of the population here that gets it's nice to be involved in EH: Uh-huh. Yeah, WC: Yeah, it's move so something that boosts that left behind so neat. growing. I don't know, were you born and bred here? Or did you in? school, yeah, from Oregon. I just moved for WC: Well, there EH: Well, I kind ofliked what Bill had said last week about that this community-based that and you go. What do you think? area, well. But, Yeah, yeah. WC: maybe a a can associate that with little angry, you out here with a religious, but it's of each other. I think that's yeah, it's been a like, because we it's true, community. no find ways to make we community there Open minds, EH: Yeah. WC: Where in did a you a move here. We didn't There's so one a doesn't have many wonderful and you're you live. You great community here and like Bill said, people who a lot of different like to do the know, and taking 25 really to do in this community where you live. For two years I Oregon were you? ajob things places, was care of each and you just involved with Utah lot of advocacy work there and it's among at it in kind of had to we've moved community where Moms for Clean Air and but I found live, pretty neat way to look I don't want to say angry, And Sam and I found matter where you bigger than Utah, state that kind of draws half of you and I think you find find your also really in living get transferred and the other baby (laughs). a was a radical transition. I think I spent the first year choice, when sticking you so people taking care positive way as have bit, population up. EH: but little a same maddening as hell, things. other, despite frustration. Whitney 6 March 2013 Childers in southern ED: I WC: Yeah, yeah. was Oregon, Ashland. One of my best colleagues I've worked with in newspapers was from Pendleton. ED: Oh, WC: And coast, our wow. we traveled to there and lives, just never got jobs there. It is. Ashland, for because there's the Marin sure. really good friends that Oh, really? (laughs). ED: So the real estate and you know, really liked it We whatnot, aren't able to . Yeah, for ED: I'm where WC: Yeah. a move from the there at points in Very arty community. a rich person's retirement lot of younger folks and families buy property there public lands, sure. going to lot. I mean, it starts to feel like lot of. .1 mean, in the West with all the WC: a to were now County influx. WC: moving, have really loved Oregon. Actually would have loved so we ED: we tum this off. END OF INTERVIEW 26 are and whatnot. But it is, there's just it's pretty sweet living. a