Olympic Hopeful: Decker Dean
12/16/2025 10:49AM ● By Haley Watkins
Image courtesy of Decker Dean.
At just 25 years old, Decker Dean is already a seasoned competitor on the international ski jumping stage. A Steamboat Springs local, Decker made his Olympic debut at the 2022 Games in Beijing and is now eyeing a return in 2026. Nicknamed “The Jumping Machine” by his friends, Decker brings a mix of athletic grit, technical focus and laid-back energy to the sport. Whether he’s training in Trondheim, Norway, or carving trails on his mountain bike, Decker is all in on the journey.
Steamboat Magazine: What does a typical training week look like as you prepare for the 2026 Winter Olympics?
Decker Dean: A typical week really depends on the time of year. In the summer, my training load is much heavier – it includes a lot of gym work, ski jumping sessions and testing different equipment like skis, boots and bindings. As winter approaches, we scale back the volume and start focusing more on small details, making sure the body is ready for the long season ahead.
SM: What are you currently working on – technically or mentally – to get competition-ready?
DD: Right now, I’m putting a big emphasis on mental work. Bringing the same jumps from training into competition can be really tough and mentally demanding. Technically, I’m focused on the early phase of my flight – trying to create more surface area and be “bigger” in the air.
SM: How do you handle nerves or pressure during competition?
DD: It really depends on the situation. When I’m in a good flow, it’s easier to treat a competition just like another training session and stay focused on the task at hand. I also practice a lot of breathwork and meditation daily, which helps me lock in and stay calm during events.
SM: What’s it like to train abroad, and where do you typically train?
DD: I basically live full-time in Trondheim, Norway, and train there. I’ve really come to love it – it’s finally started to feel like home, which hasn’t always been easy as an athlete constantly on the move.
SM: Beyond results, what’s your ultimate goal for the upcoming Olympics in Cortina?
DD: If I make the team for Cortina, my biggest goal – aside from results – is to really enjoy the full Olympic experience. Beijing was cool and interesting, but due to Covid, we as athletes missed out on a lot. This time, I want to soak in everything the Games have to offer.
At just 25 years old, Decker Dean is already a seasoned competitor on the international ski jumping stage. A Steamboat Springs local, Decker made his Olympic debut at the 2022 Games in Beijing and is now eyeing a return in 2026. Nicknamed “The Jumping Machine” by his friends, Decker brings a mix of athletic grit, technical focus and laid-back energy to the sport. Whether he’s training in Trondheim, Norway, or carving trails on his mountain bike, Decker is all in on the journey.
Steamboat Magazine: What does a typical training week look like as you prepare for the 2026 Winter Olympics?
Decker Dean: A typical week really depends on the time of year. In the summer, my training load is much heavier – it includes a lot of gym work, ski jumping sessions and testing different equipment like skis, boots and bindings. As winter approaches, we scale back the volume and start focusing more on small details, making sure the body is ready for the long season ahead.
SM: What are you currently working on – technically or mentally – to get competition-ready?
DD: Right now, I’m putting a big emphasis on mental work. Bringing the same jumps from training into competition can be really tough and mentally demanding. Technically, I’m focused on the early phase of my flight – trying to create more surface area and be “bigger” in the air.
SM: How do you handle nerves or pressure during competition?
DD: It really depends on the situation. When I’m in a good flow, it’s easier to treat a competition just like another training session and stay focused on the task at hand. I also practice a lot of breathwork and meditation daily, which helps me lock in and stay calm during events.
SM: What’s it like to train abroad, and where do you typically train?
DD: I basically live full-time in Trondheim, Norway, and train there. I’ve really come to love it – it’s finally started to feel like home, which hasn’t always been easy as an athlete constantly on the move.
SM: Beyond results, what’s your ultimate goal for the upcoming Olympics in Cortina?
DD: If I make the team for Cortina, my biggest goal – aside from results – is to really enjoy the full Olympic experience. Beijing was cool and interesting, but due to Covid, we as athletes missed out on a lot. This time, I want to soak in everything the Games have to offer.