There's a unique reason for each athlete's journey. A decision they hope leads to the world's ultimate competition.

For Adam Loomis, the revelation would come eight years ago.

"Well, right after the '02 Olympics in Salt Lake, I thought it looked like a lot of fun," Loomis said.

The 2010 Vancouver Games fell out of his reach, but the Eau Claire native plans on jumping to the Olympic level in the near future. Loomis is quickly ascending the ranks of ski jumping, winning the 2008 junior Olympic title and spending summers training with the sport's top competitors.

"That's definitely a goal, the Olympics," Loomis said. "I think anyone serious in this sport, that's what they're looking towards. But right now, my main focus is to qualify for the junior world championship team."

Aside from training and jumping against his peers, the Eau Claire Flying Eagle member is also taking pointers from the current members of Team USA.

"I've done a few camps with the U.S. Ski Team, and I've gotten to train with guys like Billy Demong and Todd Lodwick, who are both world champions," Loomis said.

There is a track record of Eau Claire natives wearing the red, white and blue, as five skiers have competed for Team USA in the past. And it's not just Loomis that's aiming for Olympic glory.

"I'd like to go to the Olympics, but it's a far reach, but that's my goal," said Eau Claire Flying Eagle Nick Mattoon.

"It's definitely realistic," said Flying Eagles head coach Paul Loomis. "The Flying Eagles have produced five Olympians, so it's within the realm of grasping. I always encourage people to reach for their dreams."

Along with big dreams come many sacrifices. But from Adam Loomis' point of view, the title of Olympian is worth it.

"It definitely is a time commitment," Adam Loomis said. "I mean, I'm rarely home on weekends. I'm either traveling somewhere in the Midwest or going out to Lake Placid."

"You give up a lot of, like, normal high school time, but on the other hand, it's worth it."