Olympic Hopeful: Jason Colby
12/23/2025 11:17AM ● By Skylar Leeson
Image courtesy of Jason Colby.
Ski jumping runs in Jason Colby’s family: It was introduced to him by his father and uncle and quickly became more than just a pastime. As he heads into the 2025-26 season, Jason reflects on his journey from his early days on the jump to competing on the world stage, sharing insights on perseverance, mindset and the lessons learned along the way.
Steamboat Magazine: Can you tell me the story of how you first fell in love with your sport?
Jason Colby: I got introduced to it by my dad and my uncle; they were ski jumpers and so it’s a family heritage.
SM: What was the moment you realized, “I want to go to the Olympics?”
JC: I don’t know if it has happened yet. It would be a privilege to represent the U.S. in the Olympics. But my other goals are geared towards the World Cup and producing results there.
SM: Was there ever a moment when you thought about quitting? What kept you going?
JC: A little bit, right after high school I thought about just going to college and living a “normal life” but the opportunity was there and fortunately I scored my first FISC cup point and that has led to where I am now. I joined the national team right after high school, so I was super lucky to have that opportunity.
SM: Do you have any pre-competition rituals or superstitions?
JC: No, just trust in the preparation.
SM: What’s one thing you wish you knew when you started?
JC: It’s a good 90% mental; the foundations of a ski jump are super simple, it’s just a matter of doing it all in sync at the same time.
SM: How do you deal with nerves or pressure in high-stakes competitions?
JC: That’s something I have to definitely get better at. It’s about focusing on the task at hand and trying your best.
SM: What advice would you give your younger self?
JC: Be patient, not everything comes all at once. A lot of good things take time and you have to let it develop and grow.
Ski jumping runs in Jason Colby’s family: It was introduced to him by his father and uncle and quickly became more than just a pastime. As he heads into the 2025-26 season, Jason reflects on his journey from his early days on the jump to competing on the world stage, sharing insights on perseverance, mindset and the lessons learned along the way.
Steamboat Magazine: Can you tell me the story of how you first fell in love with your sport?
Jason Colby: I got introduced to it by my dad and my uncle; they were ski jumpers and so it’s a family heritage.
SM: What was the moment you realized, “I want to go to the Olympics?”
JC: I don’t know if it has happened yet. It would be a privilege to represent the U.S. in the Olympics. But my other goals are geared towards the World Cup and producing results there.
SM: Was there ever a moment when you thought about quitting? What kept you going?
JC: A little bit, right after high school I thought about just going to college and living a “normal life” but the opportunity was there and fortunately I scored my first FISC cup point and that has led to where I am now. I joined the national team right after high school, so I was super lucky to have that opportunity.
SM: Do you have any pre-competition rituals or superstitions?
JC: No, just trust in the preparation.
SM: What’s one thing you wish you knew when you started?
JC: It’s a good 90% mental; the foundations of a ski jump are super simple, it’s just a matter of doing it all in sync at the same time.
SM: How do you deal with nerves or pressure in high-stakes competitions?
JC: That’s something I have to definitely get better at. It’s about focusing on the task at hand and trying your best.
SM: What advice would you give your younger self?
JC: Be patient, not everything comes all at once. A lot of good things take time and you have to let it develop and grow.