The Nordic combined event has a rich history within the Olympic framework, having been included since 1924; however, it has never featured women's competition. As the International Olympic Committee (IOC) reviews events for the upcoming Milano-Cortina Games, there are concerns that Nordic combined, which has only male categories, may be eliminated entirely. This has sparked a movement among female athletes and advocates to push for gender equality in a sport they believe deserves to be showcased on the Olympic stage.

Leading the charge is Annika Malacinski, a 24-year-old American and the top female Nordic combined athlete in the US, who has become a vocal advocate for women's inclusion in the sport. Malacinski's advocacy extends beyond competition; she utilizes social media to raise awareness about the necessity of having a women's event in Nordic combined and to express her disappointment regarding the lack of representation at the Games. Her commitment to this cause reflects a broader struggle for fairness and equality in sports traditionally dominated by male athletes.

As discussions about the future of Nordic combined evolve, the stakes are particularly high. The absence of women’s events not only diminishes Olympic ideals of inclusiveness but also sends a message that women's participation in sports is not valued equally. Malacinski and her fellow athletes are determined to change this narrative, highlighting that public support and recognition of their efforts are crucial if they are to secure a rightful place at the Olympic table and ensure the longevity of their sport in the future.