Jumper Nina Lussi in running for SI Kids award

New York’s Nina Lussi, who captured the women’s junior national ski jumping championship last season, is one of 10 finalists for this year’s Sports Illustrated Kids Sports Kid of the Year Award.
New York’s Nina Lussi, who captured the women’s junior national ski jumping championship last season, is one of 10 finalists for this year’s Sports Illustrated Kids Sports Kid of the Year Award.
    More than 6,000 entries were submitted for the award, and the 14-year-old Lussi is one of just three girls remaining in the final 10. Lussi also participates in  waterskiing, soccer, baseball and golf, and she is a regular community service volunteer around Lake Placid, N.Y.
    While Lussi was on skis at the age of 3, at 8 Lussi decided she wanted to try ski jumping and it appears to have been a good choice. Now, six years after her first jump, Lussi is recognized as a top athlete in her age group.
    "It wasn't too scary to watch her because she was in an alpine program before so I knew she was a good skier," said Martina Lussi, her mother. "I think she loves the aspect of flying the most."
    Click here to vote for Lussi . Voting ends Monday, Sept. 22, at noon ET. The top six vote getters will advance to round two next week.