Aaron Kostner speaks plainly. © APA / BARBARA GINDL

"The Nordic Combined has been crucified."

The news that Nordic combined had been completely removed from the Olympic program hit like a bombshell on Tuesday. The disappointment and disbelief among those directly involved know no bounds – including Aaron Kostner, South Tyrol's best Nordic combined skier.

July 09, 2026

On February 19th, Aaron Kostner experienced his own personal moment of glory. In the snow-covered village of Predazzo, the last of three Nordic Combined races at the Olympic Games in his home country took place. The athlete from Ortisei and his teammate from Val Gardena, Samuel Costa, truly surpassed themselves in cross-country skiing, finishing the team sprint in a sensational fourth place. At that time, no one knew that it would be Kostner's last appearance on the Olympic stage.

Since Tuesday, it has been confirmed that Nordic combined will not be an Olympic sport at the 2030 Winter Games in France – for the first time since 1924. The sport, once considered the king of winter sports, must reinvent itself – and fight against ruin. SportNews Kostner, who celebrated his 27th birthday on Wednesday and is currently in a training camp in Planica with Italy's NoKo squad, was reached by phone. The Val Gardena native didn't hold back in his criticism of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), expressing his deep disappointment and speaking about his personal future.


How did you receive the news and how unexpected was it?

"To be honest, it was quite a surprise. Whether it was the national federations, the coaches, or the athletes' representatives – everyone was positive and not only certain that Nordic combined would remain in the program, but also that the women would be included. When I heard the news yesterday, it was quite a hard blow."


How do you deal with this now?

"It's very difficult. Training for the upcoming season is already in full swing. I especially feel for the young athletes who have trained hard for ten to fifteen years to fulfill their Olympic dream – and now see it shattered. I was lucky enough to be there twice. They weren't – and it's not their fault."

Aaron Kostner at the Olympic Games in Predazzo. © AFP / JAVIER SORIANO

Can you understand the decision?

“We knew that, given the stark facts, things could get critical. It’s a process that has been developing over the last ten years. For example, the relay race was abolished at the Olympics this year. Fewer athletes were allowed to be nominated per nation. The fact that the women were rejected by the IOC four years ago was also not a positive sign. But even so, I didn’t want to believe that a history spanning over 100 years could simply be erased.”


IOC President Kirsty Coventry attended a race at the Winter Games in Predazzo and expressed her enthusiasm for the spectacle. Why was the decision ultimately made against it?

“Yes, that’s true. That was one of the reasons why we were all confident. Many fans attended the races, and according to my information, the TV ratings in the USA and Asia were also very good. But I’m convinced that the IOC made this decision a decade ago. It didn’t matter what we did or what we delivered – the decision had already been made.”

Aaron Kostner is thinking about his future.

The IOC argues, among other things, that the sport was judged by the reach of Instagram posts. What is your opinion on this?

“I find this development problematic and unfair. Social media has only existed for 15 years, while this sport has a tradition spanning over 100 years. The IOC is actually geared towards promoting amateur sports. It's no coincidence that only the U23 national teams are eligible to play in football. At the same time, however, the revenue generated by each discipline is precisely calculated. If the profit isn't sufficient, the sport loses its place. In my opinion, this policy stands in stark contrast to the original Olympic philosophy. May I add something else?”


Very happy.

"The argument that too few countries are competing for top positions and medals is also nonsense. Cross-country skiers actually have even less diversity than we do. Besides, they compete in six races, while we only have three."


At least the Italian Winter Sports Federation (FISI) is backing you. What do you see as the future of Nordic combined?

“It’s great that FISI has pledged its support. However, things will become increasingly difficult in the coming years. The goal of the sports groups has always been to prepare athletes for the Olympic Games. Following this decision, it seems unlikely that any new talent will be accepted. And those already in the sports group will most likely have to compete at the very top in World Cups and World Championships to avoid losing their place. This will cause the whole system to fall apart.”

Aaron Kostner is South Tyrol's best ski jumper. © AFP / JAVIER SORIANO

Have you also given any thought to the future of your career?

“That’s a different discussion. Our sport demands an enormous amount of commitment – ​​every single day. You have to give up a lot, invest a lot of time and money, constantly watch your weight, and think about the sport 24/7. I have to admit that my motivation has diminished now that our main goal has been taken away. I will certainly continue this season because the World Cup calendar is already set, there’s a World Championship, the prize money is guaranteed, and we won’t feel any major effects in the first year. However, I’m keeping all my options open for the future, because I’m not getting any younger. What happens, for example, if the races are no longer broadcast on television? If organizers no longer want to put on races? The idea that Nordic combined will be included in the Olympic program again in a few years is out of the question for me. With its decision, the IOC has crucified Nordic combined and its more than 100-year history.”