What is Nordic Combined? The only Olympics sport barring women faces uncertain future ahead of Milan Cortina Winter Games

Nordic combined, one of the oldest Winter Olympic sports, is facing an uncertain future. It may not survive beyond the Milan Cortina Winter Games. The sport is unique because it is the only Olympic event that does not allow women to compete. This issue, along with low global popularity, has placed it under serious review by Olympic officials.

The sport combines ski jumping and cross-country skiing. While it has a rich history dating back to the first Winter Olympics, it struggles to attract new fans. Only a small group of countries regularly dominate the podium. The International Olympic Committee was expected to decide last year if Nordic combined would be included in the 2030 French Alps Games. That decision has now been delayed until spring.

Nordic combined: A historic sport under pressure of depleting fanbase

Nordic combined was created in Norway in the late 1800s. It was designed to test the most complete skier. The event begins with ski jumping. Athletes earn points based on distance and style. These points are then converted into time advantages for the cross-country race.

The athlete who performs best in ski jumping starts first in the cross-country race. Others follow based on their time handicap. The race covers 10 kilometers. Whoever crosses the finish line first wins gold. The team event includes four athletes who compete in jumping and then ski a relay race together.

The sport has produced many memorable Olympic moments. Norway and Finland dominated early competitions. In 1960, West Germany’s Georg Thoma broke their streak. The United States reached the podium for the first time in 2010. Johnny Spillane won silver, while Bill Demong won gold. They also shared silver in the team event.

More recently, drama unfolded at the Beijing Games. Jarl Magnus Riiber had a large lead after ski jumping. He took a wrong turn during the race and lost a medal chance. His teammate Jørgen Graabak went on to win gold.

With both Riiber and Graabak now retired, the field is wide open. Early stars of the 2025-26 World Cup include Austria’s Johannes Lamparter and Germany’s Julian Schmid.

The Milan Cortina Nordic combined events will run from February 11 to February 19. Competitions will be held in Predazzo and Tesero in Italy’s Val di Fiemme region.

If the sport is dropped, it would affect many athletes. It would also disappoint women who compete internationally and have pushed hard for Olympic inclusion. The coming months may decide the fate of Nordic combined on the world’s biggest stage.





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