At the Winter Olympics in Milan, U.S. Nordic combined skier Annika Malacinski stands out not for competing but for cheering on her brother, Niklas. Despite ranking 10th in the world, Annika can’t compete because women’s Nordic combined is excluded from the Olympics. “We sacrifice just as much,” she said, highlighting the hard work female athletes put in to reach their goals.
Nordic combined blends ski jumping and cross-country skiing. Competitors jump, which affects their starting position in a 10 km race. Tara Geraghty-Moats, a prominent athlete in the sport, compares the challenge to building a NASA shuttle. It requires mastering high-level skills across two demanding sports.
This unique discipline has been part of the Winter Olympics since 1924 but remains the only Olympic sport that excludes women. “For over 100 years, men have had this opportunity,” Malacinski pointed out. Although women’s Nordic combined made its debut in the World Cup circuit in 2020 and even appeared in Youth Olympics, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) dismissed bids for it to be included in the 2022 and 2026 Olympics due to low viewership and participation.
The IOC has decided to review the future of Nordic combined after the 2026 games, raising concerns it could be dropped altogether. Furthermore, it cut the number of male competitor spots from 55 to 36, making the future of the sport uncertain. “It’s about saving the sport,” said Malacinski.
While sports federations and athletes advocate for better visibility for women’s Nordic combined, statistics show a slight increase in interest. A Nielsen Sports survey indicated that women’s Nordic combined viewership rose by 25% during the 2024-2025 World Cup season. About 200 women from 24 countries compete, indicating a growing interest in the sport.
The athletes hope for inclusion in the 2030 Olympics. “Women’s Nordic combined deserves a place in the Olympics,” wrote U.S. Senators Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper in a letter to the IOC, urging them to recognize the athletes’ hard work and dedication. They are advocating for a broader representation of women in sports, which resonates with many as gender equity becomes a hot topic globally.
As support grows, notable voices from the male sports community, like cross-country skier Zak Ketterson, have also spoken out. He emphasized that it’s unfair for female athletes who dedicate themselves to their sport to miss out on global recognition. This sentiment echoes across social media, where thousands have signed petitions urging the IOC to take action.
The push for women’s inclusion in Nordic combined reflects a larger struggle against gender inequality in sports. Athletes like Annika and Tara aren’t just looking to make history for themselves—they’re striving to create a more equitable future for all athletes. With motivation high, the goal is clear: let hard work pay off, regardless of gender.
