The 2023-24 season was a landmark year for Nordic Combined USA, showcasing their resilience, skill, and determination. The team consistently delivered strong performances, including podium finishes and personal bests. Join us to reflect on the season and celebrate their achievements.
Training and Preparation
A creative partnership with the Norwegian National Team allowed for a new training regimen and strategic preparation, along with access to training facilities where our athletes could train alongside their new Norwegian teammates. This played a pivotal role in their achievements. Many thanks to those involved in creating this partnership, as it marked a significant shift from the previous coaching paradigm. We also applaud the athletes’ ability to adjust to this new approach and seize this new opportunity.
International Success
Throughout the season, the team made impressive strides, with standout performances in World Cup events as well as Junior World Championships.
Women's Team
The Women’s Nordic Combined National Team, consisting of Alexa Brabec and Annika Malacinski, proved to be one of the most competitive teams in the world with breakout seasons from both athletes.
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Annika Malacinski: Our highest finishing athlete overall, Annika finished 14th in the overall World Cup standings this season and secured three top 10 finishes with a personal best of 8th place in Ramsau, Austria.
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Alexa Brabec: Named Nordic Combined Athlete of the Year, Alexa had a great World Cup season with a personal best finish of 10th place in Seefeld and finishing 21st in the overall World Cup standings. The highlight of her season came at the Junior World Ski Championships where she secured two silver medals and became the first American woman to medal in Nordic Combined at Junior World Championships.
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Kai McKinnon: Stood out in her first Junior World Championships with an impressive 6th place in the individual competition and a silver medal with Brabec in the team competition.
As I look ahead, the 2023/24 season was the best season of my career, filled with personal bests and unforgettable moments. I am incredibly proud of my achievements and the hard work that led to my 14th place overall ranking. As I look ahead to the 2024/25 season and world championships, I am more motivated than ever to push my limits, build on my successes, and reach new heights. With the support of my amazing team and generous sponsors, I am excited to see what we can accomplish together. – Annika Malacinski
The women’s team showed its depth this season with three junior women—Kai McKinnon, Ella Wilson, and Haley Brabec—stepping into their first international competitions including the Youth Olympic Games, Junior World Championships, and the Continental Cup. This young team showed their dedication and talent, and we are excited for more to come in the future.
Men's Team
The Men’s Nordic Combined team also had an outstanding year with some of the best results in more than a decade. Niklas Malacinski, Ben Loomis, and Stephen Schumann all finished in the top 30 World Cup overall standings. The last time the United States had three men in the top 30 overall was ten years ago! The season was also highlighted by World Cup personal bests for two of the men:
- Niklas Malacinski: 14th in Otepaa
- Stephen Schumann: 13th in Ruka
Stephen also showcased his world-class abilities on the cross-country tracks, ranking as the 15th fastest skier on the World Cup circuit. And Ben Loomis, who was 12th twice in 2022, continued to show strong results with a 14th in Lillehammer. This men’s team is one of the most promising teams the US has ever had, and with Carter Brubaker coming back strong to join the men’s team, the momentum from last season is sure to make for an exciting 2024/2025 season highlighted by the World Ski Championships in Trondheim, Norway.
Even with a late start, I was very happy with my season. It was a good step for me but more importantly a great step for the whole team. Even with a late start to our partnership with Team Norway, we still made great strides. I look forward to continuing to work with Norway and see where this incredible partnership will take us. – Ben Loomis
The Future Is Bright
The success of our Nordic Combined team is a source of pride and inspiration, highlighting the potential and talent within the team. Right behind them is a promising group of rising stars, ensuring that the future of Nordic Combined USA is bright.
These athletes are raising the bar for what is achievable. With the right support, this team is poised to produce strong results and continue the hunt to bring home medals for the United States.
Help us keep the momentum going to fly farther and ski faster!