In a stunning turn of events, the United States Nordic combined program has been thrown a lifeline just in time for the upcoming World Cup season. The International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) has provided a crucial grant to Nordic Combined USA, a nonprofit organization fighting to keep the sport alive in the country after facing a financial crisis that threatened to derail the team’s competitive aspirations.
The news comes as a massive relief for athletes like Niklas Malacinski, a hopeful for the 2026 Olympics, who expressed his gratitude, stating, “Definitely an extreme relief. I don’t know how else this would’ve been done.” The grant from FIS has not only ensured the team’s participation in the World Cup circuit but has also paved the way for a renewed partnership with the powerhouse Norwegian team.
Rising from the Ashes: Nordic Combined USA’s Struggle
The journey to this point has been far from easy for the U.S. Nordic combined community. In June of last year, USA Nordic Sport made the difficult decision to cut funding for training and coaching, leaving athletes and their supporters scrambling to find a way to keep their Olympic dreams alive.
Enter Nordic Combined USA, an all-volunteer nonprofit led by president Jill Brabec, whose daughter, Alexa, is a Nordic combined athlete herself. Along with four-time Olympian Taylor Fletcher, the organization embarked on a mission to raise funds and secure the support needed to maintain a competitive program.
“We’ve come a long way, but we still have a long way to go,” Fletcher, who sits on the Nordic Combined USA board, acknowledged.
To date, the nonprofit has raised around $350,000 towards its $500,000 budget for the 2024-25 season. The FIS grant has been a game-changer, allowing the team to move forward with a partnership that could prove instrumental in securing the future of Nordic combined in the United States.
A Norwegian Alliance: Sharing Resources and Expertise
The partnership with Norges Hopplandslaget, the Norwegian national team, is a testament to the global Nordic combined community’s commitment to nurturing the sport’s growth. By sharing coaches, training facilities, sports science data, and collaborative efforts to attract sponsors, the American athletes stand to benefit immensely from Norway’s wealth of experience and success in the field.
“We need the U.S. team up there to make Nordic combined stronger short term and long term,” emphasized Ivar Stuan, Team Norway’s sport director.
This spirit of cooperation is especially crucial given the uncertainty surrounding Nordic combined’s future as an Olympic sport. With the discipline being the only event without gender equality, there are concerns that it could face the chopping block for the 2030 Winter Games in the French Alps.
Showcasing the Sport’s Potential: The Road Ahead
As the U.S. team prepares for the World Cup season opener in Ruka, Finland, on November 28, the focus shifts to showcasing the sport’s unique appeal and ensuring its long-term viability. By delivering compelling performances and engaging audiences, the American athletes hope to play a role in securing Nordic combined’s place in the Olympic program.
“We’re going to focus on building the sport to create a great TV product in as many nations as possible,” Fletcher stated, highlighting the importance of generating interest and support beyond the sport’s traditional strongholds of Norway, Germany, and Austria.
The FIS grant and the Norwegian partnership have given the U.S. Nordic combined program a fighting chance, but the road ahead remains challenging. As the team works to develop young talent and build a sustainable future, the support of the global Nordic combined community will be more important than ever.
For now, the athletes can breathe a sigh of relief, knowing that their Olympic aspirations are still alive. With renewed determination and the backing of their international peers, the U.S. Nordic combined team is ready to prove that this unique and demanding sport deserves its place on the world stage.
As FIS Nordic combined race director Lasse Ottesen noted, “The U.S. is an important part of the Nordic Combined family, and we are of course looking forward to come back to Salt Lake in 2034 for the Olympic Games.” With the right support and development, the American team could be poised for a triumphant homecoming in the years to come.
