Nordic Combined: Oftebro Secures Gold Amidst Debates Over Sport’s Olympic Future
London, 17 February 2026 – The Nordic combined events at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Games have reached a critical juncture. While Norway celebrates a historic individual victory on the normal hill, the discipline remains under intense scrutiny from the International Olympic Committee (IOC). As the only remaining Winter Olympic sport without a female category, its inclusion in the 2030 programme remains uncertain despite rising global viewership for women’s competitions.
Oftebro Ends Norway’s 28-Year Normal Hill Drought
Jens Lurås Oftebro has claimed the gold medal in the Men’s Individual Gundersen Normal Hill/10km event. The Norwegian athlete overcame a 28-second deficit following the ski jumping round to surge ahead in the cross-country race. This victory marks Norway’s first individual Olympic gold on the normal hill in 28 years. Oftebro held off a fierce challenge from World Cup leader Johannes Lamparter of Austria, who took the silver, while Eero Hirvonen of Finland was involved in a mid-race collision with the winner before the final sprint.
The Gender Equality Crisis
Despite Milano Cortina 2026 being touted as the most gender-equal Winter Games in history, Nordic combined remains the sole outlier. Women are currently barred from competing at the Olympic level in this discipline, even though they compete in both ski jumping and cross-country skiing as separate events. A Nielsen Sports survey indicated that viewership for women’s Nordic combined grew by 25% during the 2024-2025 FIS World Cup season, yet the IOC has cited low participation numbers and a lack of technical diversity as reasons for their continued exclusion.
Key Facts: Nordic Combined Discipline
Nordic combined is a test of two polar opposite skills: the explosive power required for ski jumping and the immense endurance needed for cross-country skiing.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Olympic Debut | Chamonix 1924 |
| Components | Ski Jumping and Cross-Country Skiing |
| Scoring Method | Gundersen Method (Jump points converted to time penalties) |
| Most Successful Nation | Norway (35 total medals) |
| Equipment | Jumping skis (max 145% of height), skin-tight suits, helmets |
| Current Gold Medalist | Jens Lurås Oftebro (Norway) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are women not competing in Nordic combined at Milano Cortina 2026?
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) decided against including women’s Nordic combined for the 2026 Games, citing a need for the sport to increase the number of nations competing at a high level. It remains the only sport in the Winter Olympics without female representation.
What is the “Gundersen Method”?
The Gundersen Method is the standard format for the sport. Athletes first perform a ski jump to earn points. These points are then converted into time differences for the cross-country race. The winner of the jumping round starts first, and others follow according to their point deficit; the first person to cross the finish line wins the gold.
Is the sport at risk of being removed from the Olympics?
Yes. FIS President Johan Eliasch has vowed to fight for the sport’s future, but the IOC has expressed concerns regarding its popularity, global reach, and the lack of gender parity. The 2026 Games are seen by many analysts as a “trial” that will determine if the sport remains on the 2030 programme.