Why Is Nordic Combined the Only Olympic Sport Excluding Women?

The ongoing campaign for the inclusion of women in Nordic combined events at the Winter Olympics is spearheaded by athletes like Annika Malacinski, who is determined to see her sport achieve gender equality. Despite being a well-established competition since the 1924 Winter Games, Nordic combined has historically excluded women, with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) citing low participation and viewership as barriers to inclusion. As the 2026 Winter Games approach, Malacinski and her supporters continue to advocate for change, highlighting the need for equal opportunity in all Olympic disciplines.

Last updated: 24 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

The push for women's inclusion in Nordic combined remains a hot topic as the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina approach. Athletes like Annika Malacinski are vocalising their frustration over the IOC's decision not to include a women's event, despite the sport's established history and ongoing global competitions. The IOC has acknowledged the issue but insists that participation rates and viewership must improve before considering the inclusion of women in the Olympic format. This has sparked significant debate about gender equality within the Olympic framework.

Key takeaways

Nordic combined has been an Olympic event since 1924, with only male participants.
Annika Malacinski is a prominent advocate for the inclusion of women in the sport.
The IOC cites low participation and viewership as barriers to inclusion.
The upcoming Winter Olympics will feature a men's Nordic combined event but not for women.
Protests, including social media campaigns and demonstrations, have highlighted the issue.

Timeline: how we got here

The history of Nordic combined and the ongoing struggle for gender equality can be traced through key milestones:

1924: Nordic combined is introduced as an Olympic sport during the first Winter Games in Chamonix.
February 2022: A formal proposal to include a women's event at the 2026 Winter Olympics is submitted but rejected.
February 2022: Similar proposals made prior to the Beijing Olympics are also denied.
September 2023: Annika Malacinski and other athletes continue to campaign for inclusion, leading to heightened visibility of the issue.
February 2026: The Winter Olympics will take place in Milan-Cortina, featuring only a men's Nordic combined event unless changes are made.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

As of October 2023, the IOC has reiterated its stance regarding the inclusion of women in Nordic combined, stating that the decision hinges on participation levels and the sport's overall viability. The current focus is on improving the sport's reach and viewership, particularly in countries with limited representation.

What was already established

It has been long established that Nordic combined is the only Olympic discipline that excludes women, despite the presence of women's World Cup and World Championship events. This has raised questions about gender equity in Olympic sports and the IOC's commitment to inclusivity.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

The exclusion of women from Nordic combined could affect the interest of young athletes and potential fans in the UK. As grassroots support for women's sports grows, the lack of representation at the highest level may discourage participation among aspiring female athletes.

Businesses and jobs

With the ongoing campaigns for gender equality in sports, businesses, sponsors, and organisations may need to evaluate their support for women's events. The visibility of female athletes in Olympic contexts can drive engagement and sponsorship opportunities, which could be impacted by the IOC's stance.

Policy and regulation

The decision to exclude women from Nordic combined raises broader questions about the IOC's policies on gender equity. Upcoming consultations and evaluations regarding Olympic events may influence future decisions, particularly as public sentiment continues to shift towards inclusivity.

Numbers that matter

36: The number of male athletes participating in the men's Nordic combined event in 2026, a decrease from 55 in 2022.
50: Percentage of the events at the 2026 Winter Olympics that will involve female athletes, highlighting an overall push for gender equality.
40: The estimated number of women competing at a high level in Nordic combined, eager for Olympic opportunities.
2: The number of proposals for women's inclusion in the Olympic Nordic combined event that have been denied, reflecting ongoing challenges.
1924: The year Nordic combined was first introduced to the Olympics, marking nearly a century of male-only competition.

Definitions and jargon buster

Nordic combined: A winter sport that combines cross-country skiing and ski jumping.
IOC: International Olympic Committee, the governing body responsible for the Olympic Games.
Gender equity: The fair treatment and representation of individuals regardless of gender, particularly in sports and athletic competitions.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

As the 2026 Winter Olympics draw closer, attention will remain focused on the IOC's evaluations and public response to the ongoing campaign for women's inclusion in Nordic combined. Athletes will continue to raise awareness through protests and social media.

Medium term (1–6 months)

In the months following the Olympics, the IOC will collect data and feedback from this year's Games, which may influence future decisions regarding the inclusion of women in Nordic combined and other sports.

Signals to watch

Participation rates among female athletes in Nordic combined and related sports.
Public and media response to the exclusion of women during the Winter Olympics.
Updates from the IOC regarding future evaluations of Olympic events and their gender representation.

Practical guidance

Do

Support female athletes and gender equity in sports through social media advocacy.
Engage with local sports organisations to promote inclusivity in Nordic combined and other disciplines.
Educate others about the historical exclusion of women in Nordic combined.

Don’t

Ignore the ongoing campaigns for gender equality in sports.
Dismiss the importance of representation in Olympic events.
Assume that the exclusion of women in Nordic combined will change without public pressure.

Checklist

Stay informed about the latest news regarding women's Nordic combined events.
Follow athletes like Annika Malacinski on social media for updates and advocacy efforts.
Participate in discussions about gender equity in sports within your community.
Watch the Winter Olympics to support all athletes, including those advocating for women's inclusion.
Consider signing petitions or supporting initiatives that promote gender equality in sports.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

The IOC's decision-making process regarding the inclusion of women in Nordic combined remains uncertain. Factors such as changing participation rates, public sentiment, and international support for female athletes will play critical roles. Additionally, the IOC's approach to evaluating the sport could shift based on future data and trends, making it essential for advocates to maintain pressure and visibility around this issue.

Bottom line

The exclusion of women from Nordic combined at the Winter Olympics highlights ongoing gender equity challenges in sports. As athletes like Annika Malacinski continue to advocate for change, the situation serves as a reminder of the need for inclusivity across all Olympic disciplines. The outcome of this campaign could significantly impact future Olympic events and the representation of female athletes worldwide.

FAQs

Why are women excluded from Nordic combined at the Olympics?

Women are currently excluded from Nordic combined at the Olympics due to low participation rates and viewership, as stated by the IOC. However, there are many female athletes competing at high levels in the sport.

What is Annika Malacinski's role in the campaign for inclusion?

Annika Malacinski is a leading advocate for the inclusion of women in Nordic combined, using her platform to raise awareness and push for change within the sport.

What can supporters do to help the campaign for women's inclusion in Nordic combined?

Supporters can engage with the campaign by following athletes on social media, participating in discussions about gender equity, and advocating for inclusivity in sports at local and national levels.