The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has removed Nordic Combined from the 2030 Winter Olympics program, ending more than a century of the sport’s presence at the Games. The decision, announced Tuesday, stems from a lack of global popularity and a limited number of participating nations, according to the IOC.
Why did the IOC remove Nordic Combined from the 2030 Games?
The IOC based its decision on two primary factors: low audience popularity and a lack of geographic diversity in the sport’s practice. By removing the discipline, the IOC effectively blocked a long-anticipated milestone for the sport, as there had been hopes that women would compete for medals for the first time at the 2030 Games in the French Alps.
How are athletes and officials reacting to the decision?
The announcement has triggered widespread distress among German athletes and officials. Eric Frenzel, a three-time Olympic champion and current national coach, stated he found it difficult to find words and called the decision “devastating and very disappointing.”
Horst Hüttel, Sport Director of the German Ski Association (DSV), echoed this sentiment, describing the move as “shattering.” Johannes Rydzek, a two-time Olympic champion and athlete spokesperson for the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS), told ZDF’s “Morgenmagazin” that the decision “pulled the rug out from under us.”
Rydzek, who recently retired from active competition, noted that the long-term consequences for the sport are currently impossible to fully quantify.
What are the financial and developmental risks for the sport?
Because Nordic Combined relies heavily on sponsorship and government funding, the loss of the Olympic platform threatens the sport’s financial viability. There is specific concern regarding the “pipeline” of new talent.
Rydzek questioned whether young athletes will see a professional future in the sport without the incentive of the Olympic Games. While he confirmed the DSV has guaranteed that current support structures will remain in place until the 2027 World Championships in Falun, he admitted it is unclear how long that stability can last.
Is there a path for Nordic Combined to return in 2034?
IOC President Kirsty Coventry expressed sympathy for the athletes’ frustration and stated that a return for the 2034 Winter Olympics remains possible. However, the specific requirements for such a comeback have not yet been detailed.
Frenzel has called on the IOC to be transparent and publish the studies and data used to justify the removal, arguing that the sport’s long tradition earns it that right.
Hüttel stated the DSV will look forward and aim for the 2034 opportunity. He noted that the issue is expected to return to the IOC agenda next year, where they hope to approach the challenge with “new strength” under FIS President Alexander Ospelt.
The next official checkpoint for the sport’s Olympic status will be the IOC agenda meetings scheduled for next year.
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