Hatching Eagles (2024) Movie Script
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Flying above the sun,
Flying above the sun
Flying above the sun,
Flying above the sun
In November 2018,
30 Chinese teenagers
athletic-looking young people
arrive in Kuopio, Finland
selected from among thousands
even ten thousand
to establish a new
ski jumping culture
with the goal of
competing in the 2022 Olympics.
There is confusion all around.
Uncertainty and fear
among athletes
and trustful faith
and passion among coaches
to make the impossible possible.
We have a great young group.
A totally unique project.
We have 30 athletically
talented young people
girls and boys.
We have chosen them
but they are starting at the age
where no one starts this sport.
They don't know anything
about snow, sliding on skis
or skis in general.
We have a theory
that it takes 10,000 hours
to build excellence.
For the Beijing Olympics
using all available time
we might have 7,000 hours.
Eyes up.
The belief of a madman
is within.
The 10,000-hour rule is a theory
yet there's always room
for improvement in everything.
That's the name of the
game in sports.
You can do it
smarter and better.
It's not rocket science.
Eyes up.
Poles down. Poles back.
Yes, and now go.
Talented young people
on skis for the first time
a one-meter slide
is very challenging.
A small hill, going down
a few meters
in a distance of 20 meters,
can't stay upright.
It's natural when
you're on slippery
surfaces for the first time.
Everyone realizes
when they have been
on skis or ice
for the first time
that this is difficult.
Now we try to make this a joy.
Joy, that falling is joy.
Living on skis is joy.
There's no pressure to succeed.
This is turned into
a snow game for little children
where we are on skis
as much as possible.
We laugh at failures, for they
are part of every project.
It's permissible to fail.
The most important thing is to
bravely dive into the task.
Of course, we celebrate
the small successes.
We're trying to create
an atmosphere
where I constantly
push myself a little bit,
let go
and try to make this
thing second nature.
I don't constantly
think about what I'm doing
instead, I enjoy what I'm doing
and transfer the
feeling of being
on snow to the
level of instinct.
This starts off brilliantly.
In just a few hours,
we achieve incredible progress.
Very good!
An athlete who has reached
the top through the usual path
has grown into it
one step at a time.
Now, we're talking about
starting a new sport
without any
background knowledge,
something unfamiliar to them.
It's a bit like taking
a leap into the unknown.
Athletes require a
great deal of faith
trust, and courage
because they lack
the cultural background
and previous
experience in the sport.
As we grow older,
we tend to think more.
Youth means diving in
and learning how to fly.
Now we're dealing
with athletes who are of an age
where they surely wonder
what might happen to them.
When you start young,
from the smallest hills
it's a different story.
The biggest challenge is time.
There's no room for
slowdowns or injuries.
Perfection is key to
reaching our goals.
Good try!
The athletes need to have
faith in what they are doing.
That faith can really be tested
when you're under
intense training.
You progress to bigger hills,
there are falls and injuries
and you always have
to come back
and overcome yourself
every single time.
Now, show me
Show me this.
Ok, down
And go!
Wow!
Come on! Yes!
Knowing the background
how the aim is to
make a beginner
into an Olympian in three years
from people who
have never seen snow.
It was clear that in a way
this is an utterly
absurd project
but it's incredible
to be part of it.
This is a once-in-a-lifetime
opportunity.
Such opportunities don't
come to professional coaches
perhaps once,
but usually never in a lifetime.
What kind of task lies ahead?
You have the best athletes
from across the globe
presumably for this sport.
Three years,
immense expectations.
Everything contributes to
the progress of these athletes.
And the resources
are in line with that.
It does make you wonder
if your own expertise is enough.
Absolutely crazy beginning.
Maximum running 20 meters.
Go, go, go!
You can go.
In ski jumping, you can only
progress by
increasing the hill size
one step at a time.
Consistency is key
before tackling a bigger hill.
No chance of going straight
to the biggest one.
You have to go
one step at a time.
Descending the
landing hill is the first thing
when moving to a bigger hill
to get a feel for the speed
and the forces.
Then you go to the tower
and once more,
you must exceed your limits.
It measures the
ability to let go
trust in the team,
trust in oneself
and then you have to go
helmet first out from the table.
Just go and do it.
Play with the skis.
Good Sally, good!
The focus of the
training sessions
is to achieve a sense of joy
to bring forth life and
encouragement.
There's a vibe that makes it
enjoyable to dive into.
It is designed
to ramp up as skills grow.
However,
considering the time constraint
we need to be faster than usual.
Incredibly fast
compared to tradition
but still sensing
every day how it's going.
The sense of joy, success
and the accompanying
feeling of failure as a group
that's the key in this
learning process.
I once coached
a legend named Noriaki Kasai
who at the age of 42 won two
medals in the Sochi Olympics.
At 30, his career was
uncertain in direction.
When asked why he won
those Olympic medals at that age
it was because he discovered
joy in ski jumping.
The athletes' average
age is 14-15 years.
Normally,
the opportunity to become
a ski jumper passed 5 years ago.
Perhaps a European youngster
starts jumping at 7-8 years old
even earlier in some cases,
and a bit later in others.
The idea of
teaching teenagers is
traditionally
considered impossible.
But of course, it should
be noted that from the beginning
we have experienced
professional coaches
who can distinguish
between small and big issues.
What is crucial and what is not.
It shifts constantly
with progress.
On the other hand
it means that we
have the resources in place,
including time resources.
Even though the athletes
attend school to study English
it's not to the same extent
as a normal student.
We try to provide
diverse learning opportunities.
Chinese and culture, but
primarily focusing on English
and of course, exploring
cultures around the world
and studying
performance enhancement,
which is important
for a young athlete's progress.
All of that also
provides us with a lot of time.
We can practice twice daily.
Our training time
is 5-6 hours per day.
This might make it possible
to successfully start
ski jumping at this stage.
The joy and enthusiasm
has to be present daily.
It's there at breakfast.
It's there until
the late afternoon.
However, it's crucial
that it's present at the hill.
It is important to
progress quickly but sensibly.
Always sensibly.
It's progress as a team
and as an individual.
In the first months, we fall
more than we stay upright.
As I understand it, the
mental ability to do what I want
by jumping into emptiness
that's what separates
the wheat from the chaff, truly.
Fundamentally, it requires
a desire for the challenge.
In fear, in uncertainty
a desire for the challenge,
the ability to go beyond it.
If it's not there,
and that ability doesn't wake up
then you don't
have the potential
for the ski jumper's path.
Definitely don't do that.
This is the first
and most important
thing that we have
been training for.
Don't bend your
knees during the flight
because skis are turning down.
Lock your knees
so that you really push.
Push, push.
Ok, next. Let's go.
Good Jerry, you can go.
Carl, you can go.
Everybody can go.
Ok guys,
let's make a good round.
Yep!
That's the way!
Can't move?
So we need
to take her to the doctor today.
Don't
For this reason,
we have to teach
them how to slide correctly.
You can't slide like that.
It could be that one time you
do it wrong, and it ends there.
Is it ok?
Hurts.
She is hurt.
Mika, Emily
She has a little pain.
She is a tough girl.
Others can hurt themselves,
but this girl is tough.
Selena, step by step.
Your philosophy.
Selena.
It's not...
It's not important
how you're doing now.
It is important to have
a good attitude for training.
That's important.
Long way to go.
Ok?
Many different types of
injuries have occurred.
Some are more
severe than others.
If an athlete sustains
a major injury
that might take up to six months
before they can
return to ski jumping
then we need to consider
the limited timeframe.
We can't wait for
the athlete to fully recover.
Instead,
they are sent back to China
due to insufficient time
for rehabilitation.
There are strong
emotions in these matters.
Questions like whether this is
the type of injury that forces
the athlete to be sidelined.
The athlete is wondering
if it's all now over.
A lot of sorrow and tears
various emotions.
For some, it has been more
challenging to
return to the hill.
It's clear to see they
are anxious and scared
wondering if they
might fall again.
Fatigue is also evident.
It's not always easy and fun.
If we have a break in between
the athlete dashes off to sleep
thinking "I get to
sleep for 20 minutes"
just this physical exhaustion.
As a physiotherapist
on this project
it hasn't been just about
treating physical injuries
but also playing
a supportive role.
Athletes often come to
discuss mental issues.
If there are problems
at home or elsewhere.
A physical injury
isn't required to seek my help.
The support role is very
pleasant and important to me.
Even though the young athletes
are far from home
we have a community
and family here
that we have formed.
We are one team, one family
we are always together.
It's comforting
and it's lovely
to be part of that family.
Good!
Perfect!
Bravo!
Exciting!
I think when it is a fun day
I get to go outside
and I am happier.
Because this is not training.
I'm so excited
to get to do this!
Is this really not training?
They're children in a foreign
culture, with unfamiliar food
somewhat isolated,
with only one goal.
However, it's crucial that
alongside that intense training
there are human
qualities involved
so that moments of togetherness
can be experienced
to establish a connection
between cultures
share information
and make it interesting
in a cheerful manner.
This is important,
and we have a great team.
Have fun!
Who is swimming there?
Yesterday I saw your jumps
and I was very impressed.
It was a great training.
Let's try to do same kind
of atmosphere and attitude.
It was great to watch.
From the boys we can see
that when they are coming down
they are losing their balance
and they're losing
their attitude.
They are getting a bit soft,
and that's why they fall.
But you can do it today better.
Concentration from
the beginning until the end.
Until the speed is off.
Then the jump has
been done succesfully.
Yep!
Yes!
Good Emily!
Thank you.
I think,
I don't like the winter,
because I don't
feel my teeth.
My English is poor.
You only learn to
compete by competing.
Training and competition follow
distinct rhythms and schedules.
In practice, you go and repeat.
In competition,
you have few chances to perform.
When you pin the
number to your chest
and transition from
practice to competition
there are a lot more
variables involved.
Now I'm very
nervous.
My heart is
pounding.
I try my best
power.
The level achieved in practice
tends to drop a
bit in competition.
But only by competing
do you learn to compete.
At some point, you reach a level
where you perform better
in competition than in practice.
That's when you achieve success.
I'm thinking of
stretching for a while.
Today, I'm going to
achieve a good performance.
I'm nervous, and there are
various emotions inside me.
A lot of passion
for ski jumping.
The most important thing for me
in starting ski jumping
has been the growth of courage.
My understanding of this sport
is that, trying it is essential.
Only then will I know
if I can do it or not.
Yeah.
Philip, your bib.
Next one is Jonathan, 84.
Zu Haulan?
- Xu Haoran!
- Zu Haulan?
- Xu, Xu, Xu!
- Xu?
- Haoran!
- Haoran?
This is too difficult for me
Jimmy!
Zhou Xiaoyang!
- Zhou Xiaoyang?
- Yes!
The goal is that we develop
into competitive athletes.
Wearing a number on
your chest is one part of this.
We get used to competing.
Typically it takes 10 years
to become a competitive athlete.
We don't have ten years.
We have just a few.
In the first winter
we join junior competitions.
We have our own competitions.
We participate in
small hill competitions.
Already in the first winter
we notice significant talent.
Performance is rough
regardless of hill size.
It is unpolished,
nothing is under control
but there is potential visible.
As a result of the experience
of competing, little by little
an understanding
of what competition is
how it's evaluated,
what's good, what's bad
it all starts to become clearer.
Also dealing with
initial non-existent results
thinking "I was good,
I have potential in this."
Gradually, we also learn what
the routine of competing is
and what it means from
a preparation perspective
and from a
concentration perspective.
The mind is one
challenge because
everything happens quickly.
If you don't understand
the challenge of concentration
then when you
should be at your
best, you are often
at your worst.
Well, it wasn't my best jump.
Next time I will do better.
The number of jumps is crucial.
If you have such talented
athletes like this Chinese team
who have the
potential for anything
the most important thing is
still the number of repetitions.
From a coaching perspective
it's equally
rewarding to witness
their remarkable development
and self-improvement,
moving to the next level.
It is just as rewarding
as being in the World Cup
achieving success
with the athletes.
The feeling when you achieve
success with these athletes
is just as strong.
Jiyu! Go for it!
We're flying in the sky.
That's so amazing!
Sophia, this is fun.
Yes, just like that.
Turn sideways.
Sideways!
You know how to be on skis.
Stay sideways. Like this.
Stay.
I will turn you.
Sophia.
Everything is good.
Ok, now we can turn.
Jiyu! You can do it!
- Are you ready?
- Yes.
And then we go!
- Good night.
- Wn'n.
Yes!
- Good evening, wnshng ho?
- Yes!
- Jiyu laotie!
- Heylautie?
Jiyu laotie!
- Jiyu laotie!
- Yes!
Come on!
Jiyu laotie.
All sprite and one coke,
let's go.
Tomorrow morning!
Yes, tomorrow morning!
I believe that the
project plan states
that no one jumps
more than our athletes.
I need to spend as little
time as possible in the gym
so that the system has more
time to develop in the hill.
The goal is, of course, to
maintain and if possible,
improve.
Contrary to the
usual way of thinking.
You need to be
able to develop with
as little work and
time as possible.
A somewhat absurd idea.
Everything else is ready
except that they
don't know how to ski jump.
That's why time spent on
the hill is absolutely crucial.
Everyone knows that there
is background pressure.
Our actions are being monitored,
and videos are
constantly recorded.
I also feel that I
need to ask for more.
Demand more.
Raise the standards.
Train more.
Yes!
Up!
Yes! That was better.
Even train to the point where
people start to break down.
It feels like there's
so much pressure
that satisfaction
is achieved when
athletes start to
break down a bit.
One more! Come on, up!
I don't cross that line.
I don't want to go to the point
where we push so hard that we
consciously break the athletes
but rather stay just
below that level.
One, two, three, Team China!
Push the plate.
Push the plate and
keep the knee front.
Head is there.
That's good. Good idea.
A bit higher.
There. Relax.
Relax. This is ok.
Try to do it perfectly.
Let me help.
Ok, relax there.
Long neck, there.
And then,
we know that Jimmy is tense
so we want to be
very careful with that.
Little bit loose
in this direction.
You can come here Emily.
Too loose.
Now it's good.
Now it's good.
This is good Emily.
Ok, good.
Good Crystal,
releasing the handbrake.
Here, when you
start the movement it's ok
but you are very controlled.
We know that you
have extraordinary legs.
We would like to see
you using those legs.
See, she's doing it
better and better.
Next time Crystal, Matti
can take you with one hand.
One hand.
And the target is to lift
with two fingers.
- Ok?
- Ok.
Flying above the sun,
Flying above the sun
Flying above the sun,
Flying above the sun
Flying above the sun,
Flying above the sun
Flying above the sun,
Flying above the sun
Flying above the sun,
Flying above the sun
Can't see myself,
Can't see no one
I'll wait till the dawn
I'll wait till the dawn
Flying above the sun,
Flying above the sun
Can't see myself,
Can't see no one
The feeling of flying
how flying is done,
is a challenging process.
Flying is done for a few seconds
on a large hill
maybe for five seconds
it's very brief.
There's also fear involved
because uncertainty and
fear are present in everyone.
It's an unknown territory.
Learning it requires time.
It is not possible for anyone
quickly. You can read books
and think about how it's done
but the feeling is
most important.
You get a feeling that you
understand what is
being sought here.
Then you slowly start to
feel that you are in control.
You can adapt to it
and mimic the flight position
and the feeling of flight.
You reach a level
of automation with the forces
and play with the
counterforce and lifting power.
Everything happens so quickly
that it cannot be conscious.
If it's conscious,
you're always late.
Without a wind tunnel,
it's impossible to learn to fly
at the level required to compete
in the Olympics
in this timeframe.
Another cornerstone of
technology is a laboratory
in the University
of Eastern Finland,
Department of Technical Physics
where a system
continuously monitors
how pressure is
distributed on the sole
of the foot during
the gliding position.
If there are lateral forces, or
rotational forces
under the feet.
What kind of force the
movement pattern produces.
This is related
to visual learning.
It's also learning as a coach,
how the various
parameters of the athlete are.
We get a model for our coaching,
what things we
need to take care of
and our athletes
learn to understand
that there are
important factors here
and understand what
we are aiming for in this.
Now these arrows here
these two should
be directly upwards.
If the arrows are slanted
then in the in-run you are
all the time pushing out.
Relaxation is the
most important thing.
Go a bit to the left side
so that the length of the
arrows is exactly the same.
One more time.
Looks good.
This is very, very good.
We got to go to training
camps in Planica
and in Villach. Nearby on
the Austrian side
is probably the toughest
FIS Cup that is held annually.
And we are participating in it.
Our dream is that
one of our boys
would be in the second round.
Then our Jimmy-boy makes
his way into the final twice.
Around twentieth place.
That was the next big step.
Now we had 15 nations
around us.
It wasn't just the Chinese,
there were 15 nations.
With a year and a
half of experience,
someone competes in the final
and when you
compete in the final
there isn't a big leap
to go forward anymore.
If you can take a few
more steps forward
then you are
already in the top ten
and soon fighting for medals.
It gave the coaches
a lot of confidence
that we have
top-notch individuals
and based on this,
we are on the right track.
International, successful
coaches approached us asking
"What's happening here?
You're breaking
the modern understanding
of the speed of
development in ski jumping.
Is it really true
that they've only
been training for
a year and a half
and are competing
in the FIS Cup?"
This was our crazy
starting point for this project
which we enjoyed.
When I'm pushing down,
the upper body goes up.
This is the tension.
Toes up! This is not up.
This is very important,
that the toes are here.
Andrew!
Relax.
Now, this is the tension.
Toes up all the time!
You take Sean with you
and then nighttime
you train that.
While we are challenging
the understanding
of how quickly one can develop
we must also consider that our
number of jumps
is quite impressive.
The typical European
understanding
of how many jumps one
can make in a year is 500-700.
We have roughly
50 jumps per week
which translates to
about 200 jumps per month
which means around
2000 jumps per year.
It's 3-4 times more than
normal standards.
As we progressed from
Hill Size 4 to Hill Size 30
the number of jumps was
dozens per day.
300-400 jumps per week.
The typical
understanding is that
when tired,
mental focus is disrupted
and the quantity
cannot be increased.
But when challenges
are kept appropriate
and joy and enthusiasm
with the snow, self-challenge
and delight are present, then
you can increase the quantity.
Succeeding in that
was one of the secrets
behind this remarkable
development.
In winter 2020 people started
talking about Covid.
This caused uncertainty for us.
Then China ordered
all athletes to return.
In that situation,
explanations didn't help much.
We went there for a few months.
However, we remained in China
for a continuous 8 months.
Athletes' development
remains remarkable.
It culminates in our
best athlete, Jasper
getting to be in Tchaikovsky,
Russia, with the world's best
ranking, fifth among
the world's elite;
which indicates that at our best
we are truly somewhere now.
In our opinion we
are on the right track.
We believe that we need to
continue with the same mindset.
I had thought
that training would
gradually become lighter now,
so that we can
start preparing for
peak performance
towards the Olympics.
It was four months until
the Olympics from that point.
We receive various suggestions
on how to proceed.
I have entered
the project with the
idea that this is
largely in my hands
and I create its content,
and we take care of it.
At that point,
for some reason unknown to me,
the Chinese side took the
project into their own hands.
It was a shock to
all of us because
this was more than just a job.
It was much more.
It was a passion
to do something historical,
to show that in the world
there are theories,
but everything can
still be questioned,
there's nothing set in stone,
black and white.
I'm referring to the idea
of achieving excellence
through 10,000
hours of practice.
We wanted to challenge that
and committed ourselves
to it wholeheartedly.
It was more of an incredible
life experience for us.
Trying to understand things,
encountering a
different culture.
Making the most of them.
At the same time,
getting experiences
that shake you to the core.
At the end,
six of our project's athletes,
two girls and four boys,
competed in the Olympics.
That was the Chinese team.
There were no others.
Surely the entire coaching team
is proud that they've been able
to turn a zero-level athlete
into an Olympic-level
athlete in three years.
It's truly quite unique.
One athlete, wearing a boot, put
the ski upside
down on the ground
and wondered where
to put the boot.
Recalling the beginning, it's a
pretty incredible achievement.
Three years' time.
From flatland to the large hill
at the Beijing Olympics.
An incredible journey.
Even though this ended
in a way that we couldn't try
what the results were leading to
sports is still sports,
and experiences are experiences.
We are completely convinced
that when our athletes look back
on the years
in this project,
they'll get goosebumps.
They are so thrilled and happy
about the experiences we had.
It relates to all of us.
I was momentarily
extremely disappointed,
but afterwards, extremely happy
that I got to experience this.
#####
Flying above the sun,
Flying above the sun
Flying above the sun,
Flying above the sun
In November 2018,
30 Chinese teenagers
athletic-looking young people
arrive in Kuopio, Finland
selected from among thousands
even ten thousand
to establish a new
ski jumping culture
with the goal of
competing in the 2022 Olympics.
There is confusion all around.
Uncertainty and fear
among athletes
and trustful faith
and passion among coaches
to make the impossible possible.
We have a great young group.
A totally unique project.
We have 30 athletically
talented young people
girls and boys.
We have chosen them
but they are starting at the age
where no one starts this sport.
They don't know anything
about snow, sliding on skis
or skis in general.
We have a theory
that it takes 10,000 hours
to build excellence.
For the Beijing Olympics
using all available time
we might have 7,000 hours.
Eyes up.
The belief of a madman
is within.
The 10,000-hour rule is a theory
yet there's always room
for improvement in everything.
That's the name of the
game in sports.
You can do it
smarter and better.
It's not rocket science.
Eyes up.
Poles down. Poles back.
Yes, and now go.
Talented young people
on skis for the first time
a one-meter slide
is very challenging.
A small hill, going down
a few meters
in a distance of 20 meters,
can't stay upright.
It's natural when
you're on slippery
surfaces for the first time.
Everyone realizes
when they have been
on skis or ice
for the first time
that this is difficult.
Now we try to make this a joy.
Joy, that falling is joy.
Living on skis is joy.
There's no pressure to succeed.
This is turned into
a snow game for little children
where we are on skis
as much as possible.
We laugh at failures, for they
are part of every project.
It's permissible to fail.
The most important thing is to
bravely dive into the task.
Of course, we celebrate
the small successes.
We're trying to create
an atmosphere
where I constantly
push myself a little bit,
let go
and try to make this
thing second nature.
I don't constantly
think about what I'm doing
instead, I enjoy what I'm doing
and transfer the
feeling of being
on snow to the
level of instinct.
This starts off brilliantly.
In just a few hours,
we achieve incredible progress.
Very good!
An athlete who has reached
the top through the usual path
has grown into it
one step at a time.
Now, we're talking about
starting a new sport
without any
background knowledge,
something unfamiliar to them.
It's a bit like taking
a leap into the unknown.
Athletes require a
great deal of faith
trust, and courage
because they lack
the cultural background
and previous
experience in the sport.
As we grow older,
we tend to think more.
Youth means diving in
and learning how to fly.
Now we're dealing
with athletes who are of an age
where they surely wonder
what might happen to them.
When you start young,
from the smallest hills
it's a different story.
The biggest challenge is time.
There's no room for
slowdowns or injuries.
Perfection is key to
reaching our goals.
Good try!
The athletes need to have
faith in what they are doing.
That faith can really be tested
when you're under
intense training.
You progress to bigger hills,
there are falls and injuries
and you always have
to come back
and overcome yourself
every single time.
Now, show me
Show me this.
Ok, down
And go!
Wow!
Come on! Yes!
Knowing the background
how the aim is to
make a beginner
into an Olympian in three years
from people who
have never seen snow.
It was clear that in a way
this is an utterly
absurd project
but it's incredible
to be part of it.
This is a once-in-a-lifetime
opportunity.
Such opportunities don't
come to professional coaches
perhaps once,
but usually never in a lifetime.
What kind of task lies ahead?
You have the best athletes
from across the globe
presumably for this sport.
Three years,
immense expectations.
Everything contributes to
the progress of these athletes.
And the resources
are in line with that.
It does make you wonder
if your own expertise is enough.
Absolutely crazy beginning.
Maximum running 20 meters.
Go, go, go!
You can go.
In ski jumping, you can only
progress by
increasing the hill size
one step at a time.
Consistency is key
before tackling a bigger hill.
No chance of going straight
to the biggest one.
You have to go
one step at a time.
Descending the
landing hill is the first thing
when moving to a bigger hill
to get a feel for the speed
and the forces.
Then you go to the tower
and once more,
you must exceed your limits.
It measures the
ability to let go
trust in the team,
trust in oneself
and then you have to go
helmet first out from the table.
Just go and do it.
Play with the skis.
Good Sally, good!
The focus of the
training sessions
is to achieve a sense of joy
to bring forth life and
encouragement.
There's a vibe that makes it
enjoyable to dive into.
It is designed
to ramp up as skills grow.
However,
considering the time constraint
we need to be faster than usual.
Incredibly fast
compared to tradition
but still sensing
every day how it's going.
The sense of joy, success
and the accompanying
feeling of failure as a group
that's the key in this
learning process.
I once coached
a legend named Noriaki Kasai
who at the age of 42 won two
medals in the Sochi Olympics.
At 30, his career was
uncertain in direction.
When asked why he won
those Olympic medals at that age
it was because he discovered
joy in ski jumping.
The athletes' average
age is 14-15 years.
Normally,
the opportunity to become
a ski jumper passed 5 years ago.
Perhaps a European youngster
starts jumping at 7-8 years old
even earlier in some cases,
and a bit later in others.
The idea of
teaching teenagers is
traditionally
considered impossible.
But of course, it should
be noted that from the beginning
we have experienced
professional coaches
who can distinguish
between small and big issues.
What is crucial and what is not.
It shifts constantly
with progress.
On the other hand
it means that we
have the resources in place,
including time resources.
Even though the athletes
attend school to study English
it's not to the same extent
as a normal student.
We try to provide
diverse learning opportunities.
Chinese and culture, but
primarily focusing on English
and of course, exploring
cultures around the world
and studying
performance enhancement,
which is important
for a young athlete's progress.
All of that also
provides us with a lot of time.
We can practice twice daily.
Our training time
is 5-6 hours per day.
This might make it possible
to successfully start
ski jumping at this stage.
The joy and enthusiasm
has to be present daily.
It's there at breakfast.
It's there until
the late afternoon.
However, it's crucial
that it's present at the hill.
It is important to
progress quickly but sensibly.
Always sensibly.
It's progress as a team
and as an individual.
In the first months, we fall
more than we stay upright.
As I understand it, the
mental ability to do what I want
by jumping into emptiness
that's what separates
the wheat from the chaff, truly.
Fundamentally, it requires
a desire for the challenge.
In fear, in uncertainty
a desire for the challenge,
the ability to go beyond it.
If it's not there,
and that ability doesn't wake up
then you don't
have the potential
for the ski jumper's path.
Definitely don't do that.
This is the first
and most important
thing that we have
been training for.
Don't bend your
knees during the flight
because skis are turning down.
Lock your knees
so that you really push.
Push, push.
Ok, next. Let's go.
Good Jerry, you can go.
Carl, you can go.
Everybody can go.
Ok guys,
let's make a good round.
Yep!
That's the way!
Can't move?
So we need
to take her to the doctor today.
Don't
For this reason,
we have to teach
them how to slide correctly.
You can't slide like that.
It could be that one time you
do it wrong, and it ends there.
Is it ok?
Hurts.
She is hurt.
Mika, Emily
She has a little pain.
She is a tough girl.
Others can hurt themselves,
but this girl is tough.
Selena, step by step.
Your philosophy.
Selena.
It's not...
It's not important
how you're doing now.
It is important to have
a good attitude for training.
That's important.
Long way to go.
Ok?
Many different types of
injuries have occurred.
Some are more
severe than others.
If an athlete sustains
a major injury
that might take up to six months
before they can
return to ski jumping
then we need to consider
the limited timeframe.
We can't wait for
the athlete to fully recover.
Instead,
they are sent back to China
due to insufficient time
for rehabilitation.
There are strong
emotions in these matters.
Questions like whether this is
the type of injury that forces
the athlete to be sidelined.
The athlete is wondering
if it's all now over.
A lot of sorrow and tears
various emotions.
For some, it has been more
challenging to
return to the hill.
It's clear to see they
are anxious and scared
wondering if they
might fall again.
Fatigue is also evident.
It's not always easy and fun.
If we have a break in between
the athlete dashes off to sleep
thinking "I get to
sleep for 20 minutes"
just this physical exhaustion.
As a physiotherapist
on this project
it hasn't been just about
treating physical injuries
but also playing
a supportive role.
Athletes often come to
discuss mental issues.
If there are problems
at home or elsewhere.
A physical injury
isn't required to seek my help.
The support role is very
pleasant and important to me.
Even though the young athletes
are far from home
we have a community
and family here
that we have formed.
We are one team, one family
we are always together.
It's comforting
and it's lovely
to be part of that family.
Good!
Perfect!
Bravo!
Exciting!
I think when it is a fun day
I get to go outside
and I am happier.
Because this is not training.
I'm so excited
to get to do this!
Is this really not training?
They're children in a foreign
culture, with unfamiliar food
somewhat isolated,
with only one goal.
However, it's crucial that
alongside that intense training
there are human
qualities involved
so that moments of togetherness
can be experienced
to establish a connection
between cultures
share information
and make it interesting
in a cheerful manner.
This is important,
and we have a great team.
Have fun!
Who is swimming there?
Yesterday I saw your jumps
and I was very impressed.
It was a great training.
Let's try to do same kind
of atmosphere and attitude.
It was great to watch.
From the boys we can see
that when they are coming down
they are losing their balance
and they're losing
their attitude.
They are getting a bit soft,
and that's why they fall.
But you can do it today better.
Concentration from
the beginning until the end.
Until the speed is off.
Then the jump has
been done succesfully.
Yep!
Yes!
Good Emily!
Thank you.
I think,
I don't like the winter,
because I don't
feel my teeth.
My English is poor.
You only learn to
compete by competing.
Training and competition follow
distinct rhythms and schedules.
In practice, you go and repeat.
In competition,
you have few chances to perform.
When you pin the
number to your chest
and transition from
practice to competition
there are a lot more
variables involved.
Now I'm very
nervous.
My heart is
pounding.
I try my best
power.
The level achieved in practice
tends to drop a
bit in competition.
But only by competing
do you learn to compete.
At some point, you reach a level
where you perform better
in competition than in practice.
That's when you achieve success.
I'm thinking of
stretching for a while.
Today, I'm going to
achieve a good performance.
I'm nervous, and there are
various emotions inside me.
A lot of passion
for ski jumping.
The most important thing for me
in starting ski jumping
has been the growth of courage.
My understanding of this sport
is that, trying it is essential.
Only then will I know
if I can do it or not.
Yeah.
Philip, your bib.
Next one is Jonathan, 84.
Zu Haulan?
- Xu Haoran!
- Zu Haulan?
- Xu, Xu, Xu!
- Xu?
- Haoran!
- Haoran?
This is too difficult for me
Jimmy!
Zhou Xiaoyang!
- Zhou Xiaoyang?
- Yes!
The goal is that we develop
into competitive athletes.
Wearing a number on
your chest is one part of this.
We get used to competing.
Typically it takes 10 years
to become a competitive athlete.
We don't have ten years.
We have just a few.
In the first winter
we join junior competitions.
We have our own competitions.
We participate in
small hill competitions.
Already in the first winter
we notice significant talent.
Performance is rough
regardless of hill size.
It is unpolished,
nothing is under control
but there is potential visible.
As a result of the experience
of competing, little by little
an understanding
of what competition is
how it's evaluated,
what's good, what's bad
it all starts to become clearer.
Also dealing with
initial non-existent results
thinking "I was good,
I have potential in this."
Gradually, we also learn what
the routine of competing is
and what it means from
a preparation perspective
and from a
concentration perspective.
The mind is one
challenge because
everything happens quickly.
If you don't understand
the challenge of concentration
then when you
should be at your
best, you are often
at your worst.
Well, it wasn't my best jump.
Next time I will do better.
The number of jumps is crucial.
If you have such talented
athletes like this Chinese team
who have the
potential for anything
the most important thing is
still the number of repetitions.
From a coaching perspective
it's equally
rewarding to witness
their remarkable development
and self-improvement,
moving to the next level.
It is just as rewarding
as being in the World Cup
achieving success
with the athletes.
The feeling when you achieve
success with these athletes
is just as strong.
Jiyu! Go for it!
We're flying in the sky.
That's so amazing!
Sophia, this is fun.
Yes, just like that.
Turn sideways.
Sideways!
You know how to be on skis.
Stay sideways. Like this.
Stay.
I will turn you.
Sophia.
Everything is good.
Ok, now we can turn.
Jiyu! You can do it!
- Are you ready?
- Yes.
And then we go!
- Good night.
- Wn'n.
Yes!
- Good evening, wnshng ho?
- Yes!
- Jiyu laotie!
- Heylautie?
Jiyu laotie!
- Jiyu laotie!
- Yes!
Come on!
Jiyu laotie.
All sprite and one coke,
let's go.
Tomorrow morning!
Yes, tomorrow morning!
I believe that the
project plan states
that no one jumps
more than our athletes.
I need to spend as little
time as possible in the gym
so that the system has more
time to develop in the hill.
The goal is, of course, to
maintain and if possible,
improve.
Contrary to the
usual way of thinking.
You need to be
able to develop with
as little work and
time as possible.
A somewhat absurd idea.
Everything else is ready
except that they
don't know how to ski jump.
That's why time spent on
the hill is absolutely crucial.
Everyone knows that there
is background pressure.
Our actions are being monitored,
and videos are
constantly recorded.
I also feel that I
need to ask for more.
Demand more.
Raise the standards.
Train more.
Yes!
Up!
Yes! That was better.
Even train to the point where
people start to break down.
It feels like there's
so much pressure
that satisfaction
is achieved when
athletes start to
break down a bit.
One more! Come on, up!
I don't cross that line.
I don't want to go to the point
where we push so hard that we
consciously break the athletes
but rather stay just
below that level.
One, two, three, Team China!
Push the plate.
Push the plate and
keep the knee front.
Head is there.
That's good. Good idea.
A bit higher.
There. Relax.
Relax. This is ok.
Try to do it perfectly.
Let me help.
Ok, relax there.
Long neck, there.
And then,
we know that Jimmy is tense
so we want to be
very careful with that.
Little bit loose
in this direction.
You can come here Emily.
Too loose.
Now it's good.
Now it's good.
This is good Emily.
Ok, good.
Good Crystal,
releasing the handbrake.
Here, when you
start the movement it's ok
but you are very controlled.
We know that you
have extraordinary legs.
We would like to see
you using those legs.
See, she's doing it
better and better.
Next time Crystal, Matti
can take you with one hand.
One hand.
And the target is to lift
with two fingers.
- Ok?
- Ok.
Flying above the sun,
Flying above the sun
Flying above the sun,
Flying above the sun
Flying above the sun,
Flying above the sun
Flying above the sun,
Flying above the sun
Flying above the sun,
Flying above the sun
Can't see myself,
Can't see no one
I'll wait till the dawn
I'll wait till the dawn
Flying above the sun,
Flying above the sun
Can't see myself,
Can't see no one
The feeling of flying
how flying is done,
is a challenging process.
Flying is done for a few seconds
on a large hill
maybe for five seconds
it's very brief.
There's also fear involved
because uncertainty and
fear are present in everyone.
It's an unknown territory.
Learning it requires time.
It is not possible for anyone
quickly. You can read books
and think about how it's done
but the feeling is
most important.
You get a feeling that you
understand what is
being sought here.
Then you slowly start to
feel that you are in control.
You can adapt to it
and mimic the flight position
and the feeling of flight.
You reach a level
of automation with the forces
and play with the
counterforce and lifting power.
Everything happens so quickly
that it cannot be conscious.
If it's conscious,
you're always late.
Without a wind tunnel,
it's impossible to learn to fly
at the level required to compete
in the Olympics
in this timeframe.
Another cornerstone of
technology is a laboratory
in the University
of Eastern Finland,
Department of Technical Physics
where a system
continuously monitors
how pressure is
distributed on the sole
of the foot during
the gliding position.
If there are lateral forces, or
rotational forces
under the feet.
What kind of force the
movement pattern produces.
This is related
to visual learning.
It's also learning as a coach,
how the various
parameters of the athlete are.
We get a model for our coaching,
what things we
need to take care of
and our athletes
learn to understand
that there are
important factors here
and understand what
we are aiming for in this.
Now these arrows here
these two should
be directly upwards.
If the arrows are slanted
then in the in-run you are
all the time pushing out.
Relaxation is the
most important thing.
Go a bit to the left side
so that the length of the
arrows is exactly the same.
One more time.
Looks good.
This is very, very good.
We got to go to training
camps in Planica
and in Villach. Nearby on
the Austrian side
is probably the toughest
FIS Cup that is held annually.
And we are participating in it.
Our dream is that
one of our boys
would be in the second round.
Then our Jimmy-boy makes
his way into the final twice.
Around twentieth place.
That was the next big step.
Now we had 15 nations
around us.
It wasn't just the Chinese,
there were 15 nations.
With a year and a
half of experience,
someone competes in the final
and when you
compete in the final
there isn't a big leap
to go forward anymore.
If you can take a few
more steps forward
then you are
already in the top ten
and soon fighting for medals.
It gave the coaches
a lot of confidence
that we have
top-notch individuals
and based on this,
we are on the right track.
International, successful
coaches approached us asking
"What's happening here?
You're breaking
the modern understanding
of the speed of
development in ski jumping.
Is it really true
that they've only
been training for
a year and a half
and are competing
in the FIS Cup?"
This was our crazy
starting point for this project
which we enjoyed.
When I'm pushing down,
the upper body goes up.
This is the tension.
Toes up! This is not up.
This is very important,
that the toes are here.
Andrew!
Relax.
Now, this is the tension.
Toes up all the time!
You take Sean with you
and then nighttime
you train that.
While we are challenging
the understanding
of how quickly one can develop
we must also consider that our
number of jumps
is quite impressive.
The typical European
understanding
of how many jumps one
can make in a year is 500-700.
We have roughly
50 jumps per week
which translates to
about 200 jumps per month
which means around
2000 jumps per year.
It's 3-4 times more than
normal standards.
As we progressed from
Hill Size 4 to Hill Size 30
the number of jumps was
dozens per day.
300-400 jumps per week.
The typical
understanding is that
when tired,
mental focus is disrupted
and the quantity
cannot be increased.
But when challenges
are kept appropriate
and joy and enthusiasm
with the snow, self-challenge
and delight are present, then
you can increase the quantity.
Succeeding in that
was one of the secrets
behind this remarkable
development.
In winter 2020 people started
talking about Covid.
This caused uncertainty for us.
Then China ordered
all athletes to return.
In that situation,
explanations didn't help much.
We went there for a few months.
However, we remained in China
for a continuous 8 months.
Athletes' development
remains remarkable.
It culminates in our
best athlete, Jasper
getting to be in Tchaikovsky,
Russia, with the world's best
ranking, fifth among
the world's elite;
which indicates that at our best
we are truly somewhere now.
In our opinion we
are on the right track.
We believe that we need to
continue with the same mindset.
I had thought
that training would
gradually become lighter now,
so that we can
start preparing for
peak performance
towards the Olympics.
It was four months until
the Olympics from that point.
We receive various suggestions
on how to proceed.
I have entered
the project with the
idea that this is
largely in my hands
and I create its content,
and we take care of it.
At that point,
for some reason unknown to me,
the Chinese side took the
project into their own hands.
It was a shock to
all of us because
this was more than just a job.
It was much more.
It was a passion
to do something historical,
to show that in the world
there are theories,
but everything can
still be questioned,
there's nothing set in stone,
black and white.
I'm referring to the idea
of achieving excellence
through 10,000
hours of practice.
We wanted to challenge that
and committed ourselves
to it wholeheartedly.
It was more of an incredible
life experience for us.
Trying to understand things,
encountering a
different culture.
Making the most of them.
At the same time,
getting experiences
that shake you to the core.
At the end,
six of our project's athletes,
two girls and four boys,
competed in the Olympics.
That was the Chinese team.
There were no others.
Surely the entire coaching team
is proud that they've been able
to turn a zero-level athlete
into an Olympic-level
athlete in three years.
It's truly quite unique.
One athlete, wearing a boot, put
the ski upside
down on the ground
and wondered where
to put the boot.
Recalling the beginning, it's a
pretty incredible achievement.
Three years' time.
From flatland to the large hill
at the Beijing Olympics.
An incredible journey.
Even though this ended
in a way that we couldn't try
what the results were leading to
sports is still sports,
and experiences are experiences.
We are completely convinced
that when our athletes look back
on the years
in this project,
they'll get goosebumps.
They are so thrilled and happy
about the experiences we had.
It relates to all of us.
I was momentarily
extremely disappointed,
but afterwards, extremely happy
that I got to experience this.