Nordic Combined Faces Olympic Future Threat Amid Gender Exclusion Controversy

At the 2026 Winter Olympics, German Nordic combined athletes are confronting both competitive challenges and a broader existential threat linked to the sport's exclusion of women. Vinzenz Geiger, a two-time Olympic gold medalist, finished a disappointing 10th place, falling behind Norway's Jens-Luraas Oftebro, who took the gold. Despite this setback, the presence of IOC President Kirsty Coventry at the event highlighted the ongoing scrutiny of Nordic combined's Olympic status.

A central issue remains the sport's unique exclusion of female athletes. Nathalie Armbruster, Germany’s top female Nordic combined competitor and last season’s World Cup overall winner, was barred from Olympic participation, an exclusion that has drawn criticism from coaches and athletes alike. Eric Frenzel, the men's coach, lamented the situation, stating it felt like "being the last macho". Armbruster called the exclusion “a no-go in the 21st century,” underscoring the growing demand for gender equality.

DSV sports director Horst Hüttel warned that without incorporating women, the men's event risks elimination due to the International Olympic Committee's (IOC) emphasis on gender parity. The IOC has set a 2030 deadline to achieve gender equality across sports, and the absence of women in Nordic combined jeopardizes the discipline’s Olympic future. The upcoming competitions in Predazzo and Tesero, attended by IOC leadership, are critical as a possible turning point.

German athletes like Johannes Rydzek expressed the emotional toll of competing while female peers remain excluded. The sport also faces challenges from doping scandals and a competitive field limited to a few nations, factors adding pressure on the IOC to reevaluate its inclusion.

While the competition this year drew significant spectators, signaling public interest, the Nordic combined's future hinges on gender inclusivity reforms. The IOC and the International Ski Federation (FIS) are advocating for female participation, aiming to preserve the sport beyond 2030. German athletes and officials continue to push for change, emphasizing the importance of equality to secure Nordic combined’s place at future Winter Games.