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Nordic Combined Faces Olympic Exclusion

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Friday, January 9th 2026 at 4:16 GMT by Toronto Star

A Legacy of Skill and Stamina

Originating in Scandinavia, Nordic combined evolved from a traditional test of all-around skiing prowess. Originally, athletes would traverse the snowy terrain with full military equipment, showcasing both their jumping ability and their ability to cover ground efficiently. Over the decades, the sport streamlined, prioritizing technique and speed, while retaining its core principle: a demonstration of versatile winter athletic ability. The format is elegantly simple - athletes first compete in ski jumping, with scores dictating their starting order and time handicap in the subsequent cross-country ski race. The athlete who achieves the best jump begins the cross-country portion first, and the first to cross the finish line is crowned the champion.

Since its debut at the 1924 Winter Olympics, Nordic combined has been a consistent, though perhaps understated, fixture of the Games. Its historical presence speaks to a dedicated following and a tradition of athletic excellence. However, tradition alone is not enough to guarantee Olympic inclusion in an era where the IOC increasingly prioritizes cost-effectiveness, broad appeal, and accessibility.

The 2026 Exclusion: A Wake-Up Call

The decision to omit Nordic combined from the 2026 Winter Olympics was not taken lightly, but the IOC cited a combination of factors contributing to its removal. Primarily, the financial burden of hosting the sport is substantial. It necessitates specialized facilities for both ski jumping hills and cross-country courses, representing a significant investment for host cities. Beyond the monetary concerns, the IOC expressed worries regarding declining participation rates in certain regions and perceived low spectator interest. In a competitive media landscape, attracting and retaining viewership is crucial for Olympic sports, and Nordic combined was seen as falling short in this regard.

Revitalization Efforts: A Fight for Survival

The International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) recognizes the gravity of the situation and is actively working to address the concerns that led to the Olympic exclusion. A comprehensive revitalization plan is underway, focused on modernizing the sport's format to enhance its appeal. Key initiatives include exploring team events to boost excitement and engagement, introducing mixed-gender competitions to align with evolving Olympic ideals, and experimenting with shorter, more dynamic race formats to capture the attention of a broader audience.

Cost reduction is also a major focus. FIS is investigating ways to simplify event logistics and minimize the infrastructure requirements for hosting competitions, making it more feasible for potential host cities. Simultaneously, a concerted effort is being made to engage with the IOC, highlighting the sport's unique value proposition and demonstrating its potential for future Olympic inclusion. This includes showcasing innovative changes and providing data on growing participation in key regions.

Notable Athletes and Where to Follow

The sport boasts a roster of incredibly dedicated and skilled athletes. Jorgen Graabak of Norway stands out as a dominant force, having secured three Olympic gold medals. Other prominent contenders include Germany's Franz-Josef Rehr and Johannes Rydzek, and Japan's Akito Watabe. These athletes represent the high level of athleticism and dedication that defines Nordic combined.

With the 2026 Olympics off the table, fans of Nordic combined can continue to follow the action through the FIS World Cup circuit and other international competitions. Coverage is available via streaming services and select sports networks, though availability varies by region. The FIS website ([ https://www.fis-ski.com/nordic-combined ]) serves as a central hub for schedules, results, and athlete information.

The coming years will be critical for Nordic combined. The success of the FIS's revitalization efforts and its ability to demonstrate sustained growth and appeal will ultimately determine whether this unique and challenging sport retains its place on the Olympic stage.