What is it?
Nordic Combined is a sport of extremes—athletes compete in two disciplines: ski jumping and cross-country skiing, requiring opposing athletic skills. The competition starts with ski jumping, which demands fearlessness, power, and precision. After the ski jumping competition, the athletes participate in a cross-country race that relies on endurance and a high pain threshold.
Watch: A Look at Nordic Combined
Very Brief History
While Norwegian soldiers are known to have been competing in Nordic skiing since the early 19th century, the first major Nordic Combined competition was held in 1892 in Oslo, Norway, at the first Holmenkollen Ski Festival. Nordic Combined has been an Olympic sport since the 1924 Winter Olympics.
Gender Inequality
Historically, women’s Nordic Combined has not been in the Olympics, and it is the only Winter Olympic sport without gender equality. Despite the inequality, US women are making a name for themselves with multiple top 10 finishes on the World Cup circuit and silver medals in two events at the World Junior Championships in 2024.
Want to help end the inequality?
The best way to support the athletes and end gender inequality at the Winter Olympics is to get more people to watch the sport. The International Olympic Committee has stated that they are concerned about viewership, and instead of adding the women’s competition to the Olympic Games in 2030, they may eliminate the men’s competition. That isn’t the right way to achieve gender equality in sports!
Financial Support Urgently Needed
Make your donation today—it’s not just a gift but a declaration that you support Nordic Combined and Team USA in their pursuit to fly farther and ski faster on the way to securing their spot among the best in the world.