Winter Olympics Come to MKA's Middle School

Fourth graders at The Montclair Kimberley Academy recently experienced a thrilling first-hand glimpse into the excitement of the Winter Olympics. Thanks to the work of MKA parent Bill Ruhl, and to the wonders of modern technology, they enjoyed a Skype video conversation with Chris Gilbertson, Assistant Coach to the history-making American Men’s Nordic Combined Ski Team, who won their first medal ever in this Games.

Gilbertson talked about his work helping to coach a team from relative obscurity to silver medal winners, and answered student’s questions, such as “What does it feel like right before the start of a race?”  “” What are some of the training techniques you use?” “Does the Coach get a medal too?” (The answer is no!) and  “What was your most exciting and most disappointing moment?”

“Skyping with an Olympic coach was remarkable.” Commented fourth grade teacher Kyle Chapman, “It was not only timely and relevant, but inspiring for all those in attendance. I believe that exposing students to successful people, no matter the arena that they are successful, is beneficial to a young person, and Gilbertson is obviously as successful as one can be in his area.”