When John Steele became Steamboat Springs’ first Olympian in the 1932 games in Lake Placid, he set quite a precedent. To date, Steamboat has produced more Winter Olympians than any other town in North America.
This month, ski jumper Decker Dean soared into the history books as Steamboat’s 100th Olympic athlete. In an interview before he competed in Beijing, Decker said “The rich history we have in Steamboat is huge. Being the 100th Olympian, that’s just cool. That’s going to be a cool thing I’ll be able to hold onto for the rest of my life.”
Of the 13 Olympians with ties to Steamboat in this year’s games, six grew up in the Yampa Valley and many have already earned medals. Ester Ledecka earned gold in women’s parallel giant slalom, while Vic Wild took bronze in the same event for men and Jaelin Kauf won silver in women’s freestyle moguls. Taylor Gold placed fifth in the men’s snowboard halfpipe.
Local Taylor Fletcher recently finished 24th in Nordic combined in his fourth Olympics. Before competitions began, Colorado Group Realty checked in with Fletcher to find out what makes Steamboat the land of Olympians.
What’s it like knowing you are going into this Olympics, compared to the last three?
The experience and mindset are much greater for me. I am coming off a much better season for me personally and confident I can have my best Olympic experience. For me, my career has come full circle from being the youngest by many years to being the oldest by many years.
Average hours of training a day to get to this point?
I would say on average 4-5 hours a day when you take all the training for Nordic Combined. This includes endurance, gym, and jumping.
What fires you up on competition day?
The competition mentality is amazing. To achieve the best result you can, gives you great energy and determination.
What is it about the Steamboat community that you think causes so many athletes to be successful in winter sports?
It all starts with the Steamboat Springs Winter Sports club. This program is one of the best programs I have ever seen. It has kept so many athletes out of trouble and focuses on achieving their dream. Because of that the entire community of Steamboat has grown to support our athletes and help push them to become champions.
Favorite place to hang out in Steamboat when you are back?
At home for sure. Spending time with family is always great. But when I do leave, Yampa Valley Sandwich Co is a first, along with a shake from Johnny B Goods Diner.