Nordic combined faces existential threat after Olympic removal

Nordic combined coach Eric Frenzel has expressed grave concerns regarding the future of his sport following the International Olympic Committee’s decision to remove it from the Olympic program starting in 2030.

Frenzel, a former world-class athlete, warns that the sport may only survive for one to two years without the financial support and national funding typically tied to Olympic participation. He noted that initial discussions with sponsors have already been negative and that the loss of Olympic status threatens the maintenance of ski jumps and training facilities.

Olympic champion Vinzenz Geiger described the decision as a “huge shock,” comparing the situation to a nightmare. While the International Ski Federation (FIS) has included the discipline in upcoming World Championships, experts fear the lack of Olympic visibility will lead to a decline in youth interest and the eventual collapse of the sport's professional infrastructure.