Unalaska Raiders Snag Medals at Native Youth Olympics

0:00It's April 22nd. From your city to your ears, this is Anchorage News today, powered by AI. Over the weekend, student athletes from across Alaska packed the Alaska Airlines Center in Anchorage for the 2026 Native Youth Olympics. On Alaska sent a squad of 13 kids, facing tougher rules this year, but they still snagged a few medals, including one gold. In the Seal Hop finale, sophomore Hawaii Maynard Gums made her debut, hopping on hands and toes across the gym floor. She grabbed second place but fell short of her goal, blemming stricter judging that stopped her after three tries for form issues like butt height. Meanwhile, Declan Nettleton and his carriers took silver in the risk carry after winning gold last year. He loves how NYO feels like competing against yourself in a supportive community, differ from his wrestling, cross-country, and basketball gigs. The team earned gold in the Denne Stick Pole thanks to Desiree Quebrar with Lucy Bagley tying for fifth in the one-foot high kick and coy sunny.

1:01Noan placing fifth in the Inuit Stick Pole. Coach Janie Scheichenikoff noted lower turnout, maybe from burnout or spring weather, pulling kids outside. It's a young crew though, and with some shine already, expect these Raiders to build momentum heading into next season.