After Jens Lurås Oftebro's remarkable gold medal achievement on Tuesday, the Nordic combined sport is now questioning its future in the Olympic program. Oftebro expressed hope that he would not be the last athlete to compete in this discipline. The sport has been under scrutiny, as officials from the International Olympic Committee (IOC) have indicated that it struggles to attract enough athletes from a variety of countries and has recorded the lowest television ratings compared to other winter sports over the last three Olympic Games. This raises significant questions regarding the sport's visibility and support within the Olympics.

The IOC's criticism highlights a pressing concern: the lack of gender diversity in the Nordic combined. Currently, it is the only Olympic sport where only one gender participates, raising questions about potential changes in the upcoming Olympic Games. The IOC's stance has stirred worry, leading to speculation about whether both men and women will eventually compete in this discipline or if Nordic combined will be dropped from the Olympic roster altogether.

As the Olympic world anticipates the 2030 Games, the fate of Nordic combined hangs in the balance. The comments from the IOC and the landscape of the sport suggest that major reforms may be necessary to keep it relevant and competitive. The future of athletes like Oftebro could hinge on these decisions, prompting a call for broader support and a review of the sport’s structure to ensure its continued presence on the international stage.