Sheil soars to ski jumping gold at Junior Nationals

SALISBURY — Team SWSA reached new heights at the 2025 Junior Nationals Ski Jumping competition held in Park City, Utah.

Islay Sheil, 15, of Lakeville, won first place and a gold medal in the team competition with teammate Caroline Chor from the Ford Sayre Ski Club. They competed in the U16 category.

The annual event featured the best jumpers aged 12 to 19 in the U.S.

“Standing on the top of the podium was an unbelievable feeling,” Sheil said. “And I was also so happy that Seth was there as part of the coaching staff.”

Sheil is the first Salisbury Winter Sports Association athlete that has earned gold in the Junior National competition in many years, if ever.

From left to right,Coach Seth Gardner, Islay Sheil and Junior National Head Coach Colin DelaneyProvided

Seth Gardner, a SWSA jumper and coach gained his own notoriety when he was named assistant Junior National coach, a first in recent decades for SWSA.

“Coaching at the Junior National competition for the first time was an extraordinary experience,” Gardner said, “It was inspiring to see the growth of all of the athletes throughout the week.” He added that he was excited to bring back to Salisbury what he had learned in Park City “to help our athletes grow.”

Each year, the Junior Nationals rotate locations among the five divisions. SWSA will next host the event in 2027.

To learn more about SWSA visit jumpfest.org.