Zhangjiakou, China (February 14, 2022) – Men’s Ski Jumping wrapped up their final event at the Olympic Winter Games Beijing 2022 on Monday, placing 10th overall in the Men’s Team Large Hill competition at Zhangjiakou National Ski Jumping Center.
During the first round, Decker Dean was able to lead the pack with a 92.5 meter jump that scored him 69.3 points. Casey Larson followed with 68.5 points, as he recorded a team best 106 meter jump. Kevin Bickner was able to card a 103 meter jump, contributing 63.5 points. Patrick Gasieinica had the second longest jump of the event for the team with 105.5 meter, scoring 59.7 points. The team collectively finished with 261.0 points, placing them in 10th, with the top eight teams moving on to the final round.
As Men’s Ski Jumping prepares to depart from Beijing, they are looking forward to the competitions that are still to come this season. There were many positives to take away from the Olympic Winter Games Beijing 2022, and a lot to look forward to for the Games in 2026.
Results
Athlete Quotes
Casey Larson
“It has been a blast to have the Olympic experience for my second time. It has been a little different than 2018, but we’ve been able to go to different events, support Team USA and enjoy the Olympic experience, which is all you can really ask for. We’re all a little disappointed with our individual results, but we all had fun jumping as a team and that was a big takeaway. We’ve got a lot of season left and that is what I am focused on now, we’ve got so many competitions left and I’m excited to get after it.
As we look forward to the 2026 Olympic Winter Games, I think that our team and country deserves a gold medal, so many people have put in so much work. To give ourselves a shot, we need to put in a ton of work, and I know that the whole team is willing to do that.
I would like to thank my mom and dad, Scott Smith and the rest of Norge Ski Club, all of the people my home town, everybody has been awesome and so supportive.”
Decker Dean
“My first Olympic experience was insane, more than what I thought that it would be. Seeing the Canadian Ski Jumping Team win a medal and to be a part of it, has just been super motivating. It makes me excited for the next four years, I’ll be more experienced for my next Olympics and ready to fight for those top spots.
As we move on with the season, I’m looking forward to getting ready for Ski Flying events and World Championships. Leading up to the 2026 Olympic Winter Games, I just need to get more experience in and be a smarter athlete every day. I need to learn more, watch more, take everything in and take everything step-by-step.
I would like to thank my parents, they were both definitely my rock. I love them both so much and they are one of the reasons that I’m here. I want to thank my girlfriend, she’s been awesome and I am so proud of what she accomplished in Beijing as well. I would also like to thank my team and coaches, we pushed each other every day and I’m very grateful for them.”
Kevin Bickner
“It has been a lot more different than the Olympic Winter Games in 2018, that’s for sure, but it is still an amazing feeling to be at this prestigious event. I definitely feel like I am more experienced now in Olympic competition, having done this a second time now. I was a lot less nervous and I knew what to expect when I was here. Even though my performance wasn’t as strong as it was in 2018, I still felt like I was able to jump to my best abilities. I was proud to represent my country as well as I could.
This season is far from over, there is still a month left after the Olympics are over with and I don’t want to throw it away. I’m looking forward to the Ski Flying events that are taking place, they’re big events and a lot of fun. I’m hoping to have some really far jumps and have my best results of the season.
I would like to thank my parents, my coaches, all of the staff members at USA Nordic, my teammates, and everyone else who has helped me out and supported me over all of these years.”
Patrick Gasienica
“I had a fantastic time at my first Olympics, I’ve really enjoyed it. Being here, I’ve seen that everyone is on their best game and if you’re not ready, it’s not going to go well for you. I’m hoping that at the next Olympics, I can bring my ‘A’ game and just be as prepared as I can be.
I’m looking forward to working on the physical and mental aspects of Ski Jumping before my next Olympics. I was nervous at all of these competitions, I need to get over that and just jump. I also just need to get my body ready and in Ski Jumping shape, so that I can compete with all of these top guys.
I would like to thank my parents, my coaches, and everyone who supported me along the way. I wouldn’t have been able to do this without the help of everyone else. I’ve been receiving a lot of support from back home as well, and it has all meant so much to me.”
