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Kevin Bickner soars through the air during the men's ski jumping competition at the Olympic Ski Jumping Complex in Lake Placid, N.Y., Saturday, Dec. 25, 2021. Bickner won the U.S. trials last month, helping him earn a trip to the Olympics for the second time. The 25-year-old Bickner, who learned how to jump in suburban Chicago at the Norge Ski Club, finished 18th on the normal hill and 20th on the large hill at the Pyeongchang Games.

How does an Illinoisan become one of America’s best ski jumpers?

The 21st Show