Johan Eliasch, the president of the International Ski Federation (FIS), has declared his commitment to fighting for the inclusion of ski jumping in the Olympic program, underscoring the importance of allowing women ski jumpers to participate. Despite ski jumping being relatively less popular compared to other winter sports, there have been ongoing concerns about its future in the Olympics. Recent attendance figures at the Milano Cortina Games highlighted this issue, showing that only about 4,200 spectators attended the normal hill event, leading to more visible empty seats compared to cross-country skiing events.

Eliasch noted, however, that interest in ski jumping appears to be on the rise. He reported a remarkable 250% increase in fan interest since the 2024/25 season, asserting that the FIS has been actively working to promote the sport and enhance its visibility. His comments came after witnessing an Olympic victory by Jens Luraas Oftebro, which he described as a pivotal moment for the sport. This increase in interest could be crucial for the future of ski jumping, especially as the FIS aims to bolster its presence in the Olympic landscape.

The discussion about ski jumping’s place in the Olympics coincides with broader issues of gender equality in sports. Eliasch's emphasis on including women ski jumpers points to an ongoing effort to address disparities within winter sports. As the FIS moves forward, the push for greater inclusiveness and visibility for both men's and women's competitions will likely shape the narrative surrounding ski jumping's future in the Olympics and could influence changes in how the sport is marketed and perceived around the world.