[Photo=Yonhap]
Nordic combined, the only Olympic sport across both the Summer and Winter Games that still does not allow women to compete, is at risk of disappearing from the Olympics after this edition of the Games.
On 20 (Korea time), the Nordic combined schedule at the 2026 Milan-Cortina d’Ampezzo Winter Olympics concluded, raising the possibility that this could be the sport’s last Olympic appearance.
Nordic combined determines standings first through ski jumping, then decides the winners in a cross-country race. It is considered one of the most demanding winter sports, requiring speed, endurance, technique and strategy.
The event has been part of the Olympics since the inaugural 1924 Games, but unlike the world championships or World Cup circuit, women are still not permitted to compete at the Olympics.
According to The Associated Press, the International Olympic Committee is reviewing whether to drop Nordic combined, citing limited popularity and a medal distribution concentrated in a few countries.
That imbalance was again evident at these Games, where Norway won all three gold medals. The result added momentum to calls for change.
Athletes voiced concern as talk of removal grew. Jens Luraas Oftebro of Norway, who helped his country sweep the three golds, said, “I hope the competition at these Games brought enjoyment,” adding, “I hope the IOC will recognize the value of the sport.”
Czech athlete Jan Vytrval said, “Nordic combined deserves far more popularity considering how entertaining it is to watch and the athletes’ incredible skills,” and called it “far too valuable to be deleted from the Olympics.”
The IOC is also reported to be discussing whether to keep snowboard parallel giant slalom, the event in which Kim Sang-gyeom won South Korea’s first medal of these Games.
If one of the two sports is removed, its slot could be filled by a new event such as polo or croquet.
On 20 (Korea time), the Nordic combined schedule at the 2026 Milan-Cortina d’Ampezzo Winter Olympics concluded, raising the possibility that this could be the sport’s last Olympic appearance.
Nordic combined determines standings first through ski jumping, then decides the winners in a cross-country race. It is considered one of the most demanding winter sports, requiring speed, endurance, technique and strategy.
The event has been part of the Olympics since the inaugural 1924 Games, but unlike the world championships or World Cup circuit, women are still not permitted to compete at the Olympics.
According to The Associated Press, the International Olympic Committee is reviewing whether to drop Nordic combined, citing limited popularity and a medal distribution concentrated in a few countries.
That imbalance was again evident at these Games, where Norway won all three gold medals. The result added momentum to calls for change.
Athletes voiced concern as talk of removal grew. Jens Luraas Oftebro of Norway, who helped his country sweep the three golds, said, “I hope the competition at these Games brought enjoyment,” adding, “I hope the IOC will recognize the value of the sport.”
Czech athlete Jan Vytrval said, “Nordic combined deserves far more popularity considering how entertaining it is to watch and the athletes’ incredible skills,” and called it “far too valuable to be deleted from the Olympics.”
The IOC is also reported to be discussing whether to keep snowboard parallel giant slalom, the event in which Kim Sang-gyeom won South Korea’s first medal of these Games.
If one of the two sports is removed, its slot could be filled by a new event such as polo or croquet.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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