The piece emphasizes the importance of Nordic combined skiing in Finland, which has seen significant success at the Olympics, with three out of five medals coming from athletes Ilkka Herola and Eero Hirvonen. Even though the duo was close to winning the gold medal in the relay, the decision by the International Ski Federation (FIS) to exclude women from the Milan-Cortina Olympics could spell disaster for the sport, as it ends a century-old tradition of inclusion in the Winter Olympics.

The author argues that Nordic combined, which has been part of the Olympic program since 1924, faces a critical juncture due to the lack of recognition and support from governing bodies. With the historic king of skiing now potentially heading for extinction, this situation reflects broader issues of gender representation in sports. The exclusion of women from this discipline raises concerns about its future viability and the possible impeding of young female athletes who might have aspired to compete.

Ultimately, the article serves as a rallying cry for Finnish decision-makers to advocate for the sport's inclusivity and future. It stresses that the continued vitality of Nordic combined is not just about medal counts but about preserving a legacy and ensuring equality in competitions. The author warns that without immediate action, Finland could lose this cherished sport altogether.