Kevin Bickner Returns to Olympics for Third Time, Aiming High

Lake County native and national ski jump record-holder Kevin Bickner is set to make his third appearance at the Winter Olympics this month. After a brief retirement, Bickner is eager to return to the Olympic stage, sharing insights about his journey from newcomer to veteran and how he balances competitive skiing with everyday life.

Bickner, who previously competed in the 2018 and 2022 Winter Olympics, holds the American national ski jumping record of 244.5 meters, achieved in 2017 during a jump in Vikersund, Norway. This distance equates to approximately 802 feet, nearly two and a quarter football fields, and just 80 feet shy of the length of the Titanic.

Ski jumping, one of the original Winter Olympic sports, is straightforward in its premise. “You go down a giant ramp, and when you hit the end, you jump, lay over your skis and try to fly as far down the hill as you possibly can,” Bickner explained.

Embracing a New Role

As Bickner returns to competition, he finds himself in a different position. He is the oldest member of the U.S. ski jumping team and the only veteran among a group of enthusiastic rookies. “It’s this thing they’ve dreamed about since they were little kids, and I did too when I was younger,” he said. “They’re very excited.”

Reflecting on his evolution in the sport, Bickner noted the shift in perspective that comes with experience. “When you’re on the opposite end of the spectrum, you think it’s going to be like that forever. Then slowly, year by year, things change, and before you know it, you’re the guy that people look to,” Bickner said. “You’re the experienced one, and you have to take on more of a leadership role.”

Bickner’s journey began at the age of nine when he joined the Norge Ski Club in Fox River Grove. With both parents avid skiers, he developed a passion for the sport that was unusual for someone his age. His mother remains supportive, albeit concerned about the inherent risks of ski jumping. “She knows the tendencies I have,” he said, adding, “She was kind of glad that I used that energy that I had in a more controlled way.”

The Unique Thrill of Ski Jumping

Describing the experience of ski jumping, Bickner said, “The feeling is kind of indescribable. There’s nothing like it. You have the speed, you have the flight; almost like a gliding and feeling of pressure building up underneath you, and it lifts you.”

The Norge Ski Club has established itself as a nurturing ground for Olympic talent, having sent three athletes to the 2022 Beijing Olympics, including Bickner. His presence at the upcoming Olympics will bring visibility to the club and help promote the sport. He is encouraged by the influx of new faces at the club, indicating a growing interest in ski jumping.

Though Bickner now resides in Utah, he maintains connections with his high school classmates and the skiing community in Lake County.

Looking ahead to the 2026 Winter Olympics, Bickner’s future in the sport remains uncertain but hopeful. While he is the oldest member of the team, he feels physically capable of continuing his career. “If I wanted to keep doing it, I could for sure keep doing it,” he stated.

After experiencing burnout post-2022, Bickner had initially stepped away from the sport to pursue a “normal life.” However, encouragement from friends and family reignited his passion for ski jumping. “There was always a little part of me that thought that I never accomplished what I was capable of in the sport,” he said, reflecting on his return.

Bickner’s renewed commitment is complemented by a healthier approach to the sport, allowing him to separate his professional life from his personal life. “Ski jumping is my job,” he explained, noting that he can form friendships without the immediate pressure of his Olympic career. “It’s a big part of my life, but it doesn’t need to be every part of my life,” he concluded.

As he prepares to compete once again, Kevin Bickner embodies the spirit of resilience and passion, ready to take on the challenges and joys of the Olympic experience.