Annika Malacinski

With a love for Nordic skiing that runs deep, Annika Malacinski brings passion, resilience, and dedication to every jump and every kilometer on the course. Raised by a Finnish mother from the Arctic Circle and a father who is a ski instructor, Annika was introduced to the winter sports world at a young age. Alongside her brother, Niklas Malacinski, also a member of the National Team, Annika started skiing nearly as soon as she could walk, mastering both downhill and cross-country skiing.

Although her career began in competitive gymnastics, Annika discovered her love for ski jumping at age 16, captivated by the exhilarating feeling of flying through the air. The transition to Nordic Combined was both challenging and rewarding, fueling her drive to excel in a sport that demands skill in both ski jumping and cross-country skiing. Annika embraces these challenges, reciting her mantra, “I am strong. I can do this,” before every jump.

Annika qualified for the U.S. National Team in 2018, marking the start of her journey to compete at the international level. Despite facing and overcoming shoulder injuries, she made history by participating in the inaugural Women’s Nordic Combined World Cup and World Championships during the 2020/21 season, paving the way for future generations of female athletes in Nordic Combined. With her sights set on the World Cup podium, Annika’s ultimate dream is to represent the United States at the Olympic Games, bringing visibility and recognition to women in her sport.

Annika consistently shows her strength in competition and with every step in her journey, Annika hopes to inspire the next generation and highlight the incredible athleticism and perseverance required in her sport.