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Nordic Combined Faces Crisis as Women Remain Excluded Ahead of 2026 Olympics

KVIA•Tuesday, February 10, 2026 at 8:00 AM•CNN Newsource

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As the 2026 Winter Olympics approach, the Nordic combined event, which has never allowed female competitors, is under scrutiny. Despite the International Olympic Committee's push for gender equality, women remain barred from this historic sport, which has seen declining male participation, with only 36 athletes expected to compete compared to 55 in 2022. Siblings Annika and Niklas Malacinski highlight this disparity, as Niklas qualifies for the Games while Annika does not. Advocates argue that including women could revitalize the sport, as participation among female athletes is growing. The IOC may reconsider Nordic combined's status in June, making this a critical moment for the sport's future and gender equity in athletics.

Key Details: • 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina set to begin soon, with Nordic combined under review. • Only 36 male athletes will compete, down from 55 in 2022. • Annika Malacinski advocates for women's inclusion in Nordic combined. • The IOC may decide to remove Nordic combined from future Olympics in June.

sports olympics gender-equality advocacy nordic-combined

People & Organizations

International Olympic CommitteeAustriaMilan-CortinaInternational Ski and Snowboard FederationAnnika MalacinskiNiklas MalacinskiSteamboat Springs

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