Dear Champions of Equality,
A while back, you signed a petition demanding that women's Nordic Combined be included in the 2026 Olympics. You were one of 21,000 voices standing up for these athletes and for gender equality in sport.
We're writing because we need you again.
In 2022, the IOC rejected women's Nordic Combined, saying the sport wasn't ready. Since then, the women have done everything asked of them and more:
- Doubled the number of World Cup events (from 9 to 17)
- Increased viewership by 25%
- Expanded to 12 competing nations at World Championships
- Diversified podiums with 4 different nations in the top 4
The women proved they were ready. They met every benchmark. They exceeded expectations.
But now, instead of adding women's Nordic Combined to achieve gender equality, the IOC is considering eliminating the men's event entirely—erasing 100 years of Olympic history rather than expanding opportunity for women.
This isn't the solution we fought for. This compounds one injustice with another.
Meet Annika Malacinski. She's ranked 12th in the world. Her brother will compete for Team USA in men's Nordic Combined. She'll watch from the sidelines. Watch her story in the powerful short film, Where She Lands, to understand what's at stake.
Here's what we need from you:
- Share the updated petition with your networks. We need MORE voices telling this story. https://www.change.org/nocogirlstoolympics
- Watch & Share Annika's story. The film Where She Lands puts a face to this fight. https://youtu.be/MC6naKkdo1c?si=O02Xr49Z4KlrHZna
- Use your voice. Post on social media. Tag the IOC (@olympics). Tell the world these athletes deserve their chance.
- Follow FIS Nordic Combined on Instagram or Tiktok.
Spread the word before the IOC's next decision following the Milano-Cortina Games. The IOC postponed their decision on Nordic Combined until after these games, as they will be watching the engagement. We have an opportunity to make a difference for the 2030 Olympic program decision.
You believed in these athletes in 2022. They've proven you were right to believe in them. Now they need us to fight even harder.
The right solution is clear: Add women's Nordic Combined AND preserve the men's tradition. Expand opportunity, don't erase history.
Will you stand with these athletes again?
Thank you for being part of this fight. These women are ready. The world needs to see them compete.
With gratitude and determination,
Nordic Combined News & Nordic Combined USA