The Nordic combined event concluded with Norway sweeping all three gold medals, but athletes express concerns over the International Olympic Committee's proposal to potentially remove the event.
The Nordic combined event officially ended on the morning of February 20, 2026, Korea time, during the Winter Olympics held in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo, with Norway winning all three gold medals on offer. Despite their success, many athletes voiced feelings of disappointment due to discussions surrounding the potential exclusion of the Nordic combined from the Olympics, as the International Olympic Committee (IOC) is considering this removal alongside parallel giant slalom for future events. This decision reflects broader concerns about the viability of these sports, regardless of medal counts.
The IOC has already approved numerous sports for the 2024 season, including biathlon, bobsledding, curling, ice hockey, luge, skating, and skiing. However, final decisions regarding the Nordic combined and parallel giant slalom will be postponed until June as the IOC intends to conduct a comprehensive evaluation post-Olympics. Established since the first Winter Olympics in 1924, the Nordic combined is a demanding discipline that combines ski jumping and cross-country skiing, requiring athletes to possess a rare mix of skills, including balance, endurance, speed, and strength. The sport notably lacks a women's division, highlighting ongoing controversies regarding gender representation within the Olympics.
One significant concern underlying the IOC's contemplation of these events' removal is the difficulty in attracting new athletes and the impact of climate change on natural snow and ice availability. In South Korea, the only male competitor in the Nordic combined is Park Je-eon, which underscores the sport's limited participation. Similarly, parallel giant slalom faces challenges due to its requirements for snow-covered courses and a notably older athlete demographic. In response to the IOC's potential decisions, athletes like Norway's gold medalist Jens Luras Oftebro and Czech competitor Jan Vytrval have urged the IOC to recognize the value of the Nordic combined, emphasizing its beauty and the unique excitement it brings to Olympic competition.
