A terrible fate threatens Finland's Olympic heroes
Finland's combined Olympic athletes face potential exclusion from the 2030 Olympic Games as concerns grow over their sport's viability and popularity.
Finland’s combined Olympic athletes are facing a dire situation as the International Olympic Committee has proposed their exclusion from the Olympic program starting in the year 2030. According to Antti Kuisma, the head coach of Finland’s combined team, uncertainty looms as they wait for decisions regarding the sport’s future until the end of the season. This situation reflects broader concerns over the sport's declining number of practitioners and commercial appeal, which appear insufficient for maintaining Olympic status.
Various estimates indicate that combined skiing, which predominantly attracts participants from Nordic countries, is struggling to compete for attention against other winter sports that showcase more participants and greater media interest. Veteran athlete Ilkka Herola pointed out factors contributing to the sport's plight, such as the high costs associated with hosting events and the overall lack of interest in combined skiing compared to more popular winter sports such as ski jumping or biathlon.
Compounding these issues, combined skiing is noted for being the only winter Olympic discipline currently restricted to male athletes. This raises significant questions about gender equality in sports and may further exacerbate its visibility challenges. As athletes and coaching staff await clarity from the Olympic Committee, the future of this unique sport hangs in the balance, reflecting larger concerns about the sustainability of lesser-known Olympic disciplines.