While the 2024 Summer Olympics were achieved in Paris full gender equalityThe next Winter Games have fallen short under the new president, Kirsty Coventry. Although this will be the most gender-balanced Winter Games in history, with 47% of athletes expected to be female, the Nordic Combined event will not provide an opportunity for women to compete. In fact, the Nordic Combined is the only sport in the Winter Olympics that does not yet offer women the opportunity to compete.
“Honestly, I am fighting for the younger female generation, so that they do not have to pave their way and participation should be automatically accepted,” says Annika. M&F, explaining that she has raised awareness of this apparent unfairness by speaking to the media and sharing her views on social media.
What is Nordic Combined?
- Athletes start by descending a hill and then jumping across a football field at speeds of up to 60 miles per hour.
- The jump is scored on style, technique and distance.
- Based on the jump results, skiers are assigned starting positions for a cross-country ski race.
- The first athlete to cross the finish line is the overall winner.
Why Nordic Combined won’t have a women’s event at the 2026 Winter Olympics
Nordic Combined was included in the first Winter Olympics in 1924 and has been an enduring part of the program since, but it is the only sport without a women’s event in 2026. Organizers have said this discrepancy is due to fears that there will be fewer female athletes, less training and development, and a smaller appeal to the public. And yet, The international governing body of Nordic Combined, the FIShas established both a women’s World Cup circuit and the World Championships, with female Nordic Combined competing around the world.
It’s easy to understand why the siblings are so disappointed that they won’t both be able to compete in the 2026 Winter Olympics. Annika won the 2023 U.S. National Championship and is a consistent participant in the aforementioned World Cup. She took up the sport at age 15, while her brother was just 7, but the fit woman says her background in gymnastics gave her an edge to becoming an elite Nordic Combined athlete.
Annika Malacinski speaks out about Olympic gender inequality
To strengthen their legs, both competitors train in Steamboat Springs, CO, squatting heavily to build their quads. They tell it too M&F that deadlifts are on the menu. “Possible hamstring exercises,” Niklas explains. “Because I think that’s sorely overlooked. A lot of athletes have weak hamstrings, even at the elite level, so I think that’s a nice one to focus on.” Although both athletes train the same way and feel the same pain after an event, there won’t even be a mixed relay at the 2026 Winter Games. “It’s just not really justifiable in my opinion,” says Annika. “It would be great to have a mixed relay because me and my brother would be on the same team, one of the coolest things you can say.”
In terms of audience statistics for Nordic Combined, Annika has an Instagram fanbase of almost 30,000 followers. That’s more than Niklas, who has fewer than 3,000 IG followers. But while sporting excellence is more important than social media influence for the siblings, the fact that people are joining Annika’s plight means her growing platform is becoming a positive force for change.
The bigger picture: strength, family and equality in Olympic sport
For his part, Niklas has no desire to be in the spotlight, despite the honor of representing Team USA at this year’s Winter Games. Niklas, who is working with his sister on this campaign for change, has been on three World Cup teams and is a gold medalist at the U.S. National Championships. And it is because of their rock-solid relationship that Annika goes to Italy to fully support her brother.
“I think he deserves this very much… He is one of the hardest working people I know,” says Annika M&F, proud. For Niklas, the presence of his sister is always a welcome part of his preparation. “I would say that Annika definitely brings more of the fun side of the training,” he says.
Although Annika is currently still out in the cold from the Winter Olympics, she hopes that raising awareness about Nordic Combined’s gender imbalance will move things in the right direction. “Hopefully we can change that,” says the strong athlete. “And then Niklas and I can start working together in 2030!”
The 2026 Winter Olympics will take place from February 6 to 22.
To follow Annika Malacinski on Instagram, click here.
To follow Niklas Malacinski on Instagram, click here.
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