The Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Games are being celebrated as a milestone in gender equality, marking the most gender-equal Winter Games in history with an anticipated 47 percent female participation and 50 women's events included in the program. This reflects ongoing efforts by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to promote gender parity, furthering a commitment illustrated by comments from former IOC president Thomas Bach who indicated that these Games would serve as a key milestone in advancing gender equality in sports.

Despite these advancements, one significant issue remains: the sport of Nordic Combined, which has a rich heritage of over a century, continues to be an exclusively male event. This situation presents a stark contrast to the strides made in other disciplines where female athletes have seen increased opportunities and representation. The IOC's push for inclusivity is commendable, yet the absence of women's events in Nordic Combined highlights a critical gap that needs to be addressed as part of the broader conversation on equality in the Olympic movement.

The ongoing exclusion of women from Nordic Combined raises important questions about the commitment to gender equality in sports. As the IOC and countries host future Olympic games, it will be vital to ensure that all sports, including those with historic traditions like Nordic Combined, evolve to embrace female participation. Addressing this disparity will not only enhance the gender balance at the Winter Olympics but will also symbolize a broader commitment to equality within all sports disciplines.