The International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) decision to exclude women’s Nordic combined from the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics has sparked considerable controversy. The IOC justified the omission by citing concerns over low television viewership and a limited number of nations achieving podium finishes. However, athletes and advocates contend that the sport boasts a growing level of competition and that its exclusion directly contradicts the IOC’s stated commitment to gender equality.
Concerns Over the Future of Nordic Combined
This decision has ignited fears that the entire Nordic combined discipline – a unique event blending ski jumping and cross-country skiing – could be removed from future Olympic programs, potentially as early as the 2030 Games in France. Originally featured on the program at the inaugural 1924 Chamonix Winter Olympics, Nordic combined was conceived to identify the most versatile skier. The current situation casts a shadow over the sport’s long-standing Olympic legacy.
Despite the IOC’s broader efforts to achieve gender parity – with the 2026 Games being touted as the most gender-equal Winter Olympics to date – a significant disparity remains. While women comprise 47% of the nearly 2,900 athletes participating, they are currently unable to compete in Nordic combined. Jill Brabec, president of Nordic Combined USA, emphasizes that Olympic inclusion is vital for securing the visibility, sponsorships, and funding necessary for the sport’s continued development.
Athlete Perspectives and the Fight for Inclusion
Annika Malacinski, a rising star in the sport with a current ranking of 10th in the International Ski Federation World Cup standings, embodies the frustration felt by many. Growing up immersed in Nordic combined – her mother, Essi Kenttala, served as a massage therapist for the men’s team at the 2002 Salt Lake City Games – Annika discovered her passion for the sport after initially pursuing gymnastics. She recalls the initial fear she felt attempting her first ski jump, a moment that ultimately propelled her forward.
The exclusion feels particularly acute as Annika watches her brother, Niklas, and his teammates prepare for the upcoming Games. “I’ve lost a lot of sleep over it. I’ve cried,” she admitted, emphasizing that the decision isn’t a reflection of her capabilities or the growing participation of women in the sport, but rather a matter of gender. Annika believes the IOC’s reasoning is flawed, suggesting that the perceived lack of profitability of the men’s event in the 2022 Beijing Olympics unfairly impacted the women’s program.
Challenging the IOC’s Reasoning and Looking Ahead
Brabec challenges the IOC’s claims regarding a lack of diversity on the podium, pointing to the increasing competitiveness of the women’s field. Since 2020, eight different nations have secured podium positions in FIS World Cup events, compared to seven for the men. She argues that the IOC is “missing the mark” by failing to include women’s Nordic combined, a decision that would have demonstrated a true commitment to gender equality.
Looking forward, advocates are pushing for inclusion in the 2030 Olympics, drawing parallels to the successful fight for women’s ski jumping, which debuted at the 2014 Sochi Games. Brabec believes women’s Nordic combined is poised to follow a similar trajectory, requiring only the opportunity to showcase its potential. Increased media attention and engagement, particularly during the current competition in Italy, are seen as crucial steps in demonstrating the sport’s viability and securing its future on the Olympic stage.
