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Steamboat Magazine

Meet the Stars of the Slopes: Decker Dean

02/24/2022 10:55AM ● By Cathy Wiedemer

Ski Jumper Decker Dean. Photo courtesy of USA Nordic Sport

Decker Dean, 21 

Ski Jumping 

Trained with Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club


What do you most look forward to leading up to the Olympics?  

I always look forward to the battle and fight that it takes to qualify for the Olympic team. It really shows when all the hard work pays off. 

 

How well do you know your competitors?  

I have a lot of friends from different nations. The ski jumping community is really close and I have made some really good friendships because of it. 

 

Who are your biggest role models and why?  

I have always looked up to Peter Prevc, a Slovenian ski jumper, because of his mentality towards the sport and the way he jumps. 

 

What do you consider your proudest moments in your sport so far? 

When I got 2nd in a continental cup last winter and when I broke the Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club record flying 211 meters in Planica Slovenia. 

 
What role have your parents played in your success?  

Without my parents I wouldn’t be able to do any of this. They are my biggest supporters. 

 
What role did training with the Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club play in the development of your athletic career? 

The SSWSC gave me a place to grow up as an athlete and as a person. None of this would be possible without a club like SSWSC. 
 

What’s the best advice your coach has given you? 

To never be realistic.