why is nordic combined male only

Nordic combined remains the only Winter Olympic sport exclusively for men due to historical traditions and slow progress in adding women's events, though its future is uncertain amid gender equity pushes. Women's participation is growing at the World Cup level but won't debut Olympically until at least 2030—if the sport survives IOC review.

Historical Roots

Nordic combined, blending ski jumping and cross-country skiing, debuted as a men's event in the 1924 Chamonix Games as the original "Nordic" discipline. It symbolized complete Nordic skier prowess, but women were excluded from Olympic competition for over a century, reflecting broader barriers in high-risk jumping. Tradition held firm: only four nations (Norway, Germany, Austria, Japan) won all 27 medals across the last three Games, limiting global appeal.

Gender Equity Gap

It's the sole Winter Olympic discipline without women , while 2026 Milan- Cortina achieves 47% female athletes overall. The International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) plans a women's Olympic bid in summer 2026—post- Milan—but IOC decisions for 2030 French Alps loom in June 2026. Critics highlight hypocrisy: women jump and ski professionally, with 46 holding World Cup points (up from 30 four years ago).

"This is a significant concern — or a major issue — that we frequently discuss." – Joergen Graabak, four-time Olympic champion

Women's Progress

• World Cup rise : Top-three women from Germany, Japan, Norway; eight nations in top-12.

• U.S. standouts : Alexa Brabec (4th in Austria) and Annika Malacinski (top-15).

• Pioneers : Tara Geraghty-Moats won the first women's World Cup in 2020 before switching sports.

French and U.S. federations advocate fiercely, eyeing 2030 inclusion.

Uncertain Olympic Fate

Post-February 19, 2026 finale, IOC may axe it over low viewership, Europe- dominance, and no gender parity—despite FIS progress reports. Athletes warn removal hurts ski jumping and cross-country stability.

"Taking away Nordic combined will destroy ski jumping a little bit and cross country as well." – Jarl Magnus Riiber, No.1-ranked

Advocacy efforts : Docuseries The Overlook , social media boosts, and U.S. funding revival aim to save it. As of February 2026, no women's Olympic medals yet, but momentum builds.

TL;DR : Tradition and logistics delay women, but 2026 may be men's last stand before equity reforms or elimination.

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