Indianola's young balloon pilot embraces hometown competition
In Indianola, light winds canceled the National Balloon Classic on Sunday morning, but spectators were eager to catch the balloons' flight on Sunday evening.
One young pilot from Indianola was eager to compete with his custom balloon, "Reach for the Stars."
"It's a dream come true, especially flying in my hometown that we have the Balloon Classic. Great event," said 17-year-old Landon Olson.
Before his first official competition earlier this week, Olson expressed his nervousness about the event.
"Very nervous, though, because first competition," he said.
vlog first introduced Olson back in March during his practice flights for the classic. He was just 16 when he earned his pilot's license. With the initial jitters behind him, Olson is enjoying the experience.
"Flight competitions are good. They're fun. They're not too competitive like the morning competitions are going to be. So it's more just having fun being out there with people you like," Olson said.
Sunday morning's fog created a beautiful sunrise, but the lack of wind posed challenges for launching. Despite the delay, competitors are packing up and waiting for better weather.
"I'm just happy to be here with my family and friends," Olson said.
Olson is savoring every moment, embracing the experience and seeing where the wind takes him.
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