Despite the Olympics proclaiming 'gender equality,' it is alarming to note that there are events where women are not allowed to compete, such as Nordic combined events in the upcoming 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics. This event, which combines ski jumping and cross-country skiing, will only feature male competitors, marking it as the only Olympic event without a women's category, thereby perpetuating a century-long exclusion of female athletes since its inception in 1924. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) justifies this absence by pointing to a lack of competitive viability among female athletes, raising serious concerns about the commitment to gender equality in sports.

Athletes and advocates for women's rights in sports are pushing back against the IOC's rationale, arguing that without competitive opportunities, female athletes cannot develop their skills and potentially reach high levels of competition. This sentiment is echoed in the history of women's ski jumping, which only became an official Olympic event in 2014. Since then, the sport has seen significant growth, with improved techniques, equipment, and the emergence of stars in the sport, hence female athletes argue that Nordic combined should follow suit. They also highlight recent developments such as the inclusion of women's competitions in the International Ski Federation (FIS) World Cup and events at the 2024 Gangwon Youth Winter Olympics as evidence of growing interest and participation in Nordic combined by women.

The argument surrounding the inclusion of female athletes in Nordic combined goes beyond simple gender issues; the event itself is inherently demanding. It requires a combination of the technical skills necessary for ski jumping, along with the endurance and speed for cross-country skiing, led by physical attributes that vary by gender. Athletes stress that while Nordic combined is indeed a challenging sport, it should not be a reason to exclude women from competing. They argue that having women in the sport could enrich it further by bringing in a diverse athlete base, which can contribute to a more vibrant competitive environment in the future. The ongoing debate illustrates the continued struggle for inclusivity within the Olympic framework and calls into question the IOC's genuine commitment to achieving gender parity in sports.