The superstar of the scene: Jarl Magnus Riiber © APA/afp / JURE MAKOVEC

The big concerns of Nordic combined athletes

Nordic combined has been part of the Olympic program for over 100 years. In recent years, however, the sport has been sidelined by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). The concerns of those affected are great.

June 29, 2023

From: leo

What happened? The IOC has decided to make a drastic reduction in the Olympic Games in Milan and Cortina. Accordingly, 55 athletes are no longer allowed to take part in the title fights, but only 36 from 18 participating nations. There will also be a team sprint consisting of two athletes per nation instead of the usual relay with four athletes. These are decisions that are particularly bitter for Norwegians.

“I think this is a terrible and completely hopeless change,” Norwegian head coach Ivar Stuan told Norwegian broadcaster NRK: “You are giving up an Olympic sport that started it all. These changes are very strange.” There is a risk that major powers such as Norway, Germany and Austria will only be able to travel with two athletes. Unless some of the 18 nations only offer one combined team. Potential medal candidates will have to stay at home as the standard will undoubtedly drop.

A lot of criticism

Top athlete Jens Lurås Oftebro says in this context: “It's a shame that not all the best are at the start. Looking at the Beijing 2022 Olympic race, I probably wouldn't have taken part with these rules. “I would prefer if a qualification system were introduced or if the best 20 athletes still got a place,” emphasizes the Norwegian. “In the current scenario, several Norwegians, Germans and Austrians will not be there. The competition loses quality and becomes boring,” says his compatriot Jørgen Graabak.

Jørgen Graabak (right) doesn't agree with the decision. © APA/afp / MARKKU ULANDER

It is considered impossible for the IOC to back down, so there will be fierce competition for the starting places. The International Ski Federation FIS is now hoping that women will also be included in the Olympic program in 2030. Such an undertaking failed for the upcoming games and led, among other things, to the best Italian combined athlete, Annika Sieff, switching to ski jumping. “Our goal is to have at least 36 women take part in seven years and to have a mixed competition,” emphasizes FIS manager Lasse Ottesen.