You can now list falconer to Chloe Kim’s long list of achievements of the two-time Olympic Gold Medal winning snowboarder. Chloe helped with Los Angels Football Club (LAFC) match day ritual of a pregame falcon flight at center pitch “hunting a lure of our opponent’s crest.”
Not sure which of LAFC falcons landed on Chloe’s outstretched arm as they have 3 birds of prey on their team named after streets in LA:
Olly: Olvera Street – birthplace of Los Angeles (Female Red Naped Shaheen Falcon)
Fig: Figueroa Street – LA North to South (Male Saker Falcon)
Mel: Melrose – colorful and famous (Male Saker Falcon)
The birds are overseen by State and Federal license falconer Ken Miknuk whose motto is “When you share your joy, you increase your joy!” When they falcons aren’t taking the pitch before LAFC matches, they visit schools and organizations to teach youth about these majestic birds and their importance to the environment. Very cool!