The United States Nordic combined program has secured essential funding for the upcoming World Cup season, thanks to a crucial grant from the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS).
This assistance has paved the way for a new collaboration between Nordic Combined USA and its Norwegian counterpart, providing the financial support necessary for the American team to continue its development.

Niklas Malacinski, a hopeful for the 2026 Olympics, expressed his relief at this turn of events, stating that without such support, the future could have been significantly less certain. The U.S. athletes competing in Nordic combined, a sport that combines ski jumping and cross-country skiing, faced a funding crisis when financial support from USA Nordic Sport was cut off last June.
This decision left athletes, their families, and supporters scrambling to ensure that the season could be salvaged after a promising two-year partnership with Norway, a leader in the sport.

In response to this challenge, Nordic Combined USA was established as a nonprofit organization primarily composed of volunteers, guided by President Jill Brabec, whose daughter is also a Nordic combined athlete. Notably, Taylor Fletcher, a four-time Olympian and board member, has actively sought donations and submitted grant proposals to FIS.
So far, the organization has managed to raise around $350,000 toward its $500,000 budget target for the 2024-25 season, although there is still significant work to be done, according to Fletcher.

The Americans will benefit from a sharing of resources, including coaches, training facilities, and sports science insights, as well as initiatives aimed at attracting sponsors in collaboration with Norway’s renowned team, Norges Hopplandslaget. Although the two teams are competitors, Norway sees the value in fostering a stronger presence for Nordic combined in the U.S., a nation that has not been as prominent in the sport as countries like Norway, Germany, and Austria.

“The inclusion of the U.S. team is crucial for strengthening Nordic combined both in the short and long term,” stated Ivar Stuan, the sports director for Team Norway. In terms of historical achievements, Americans have previously marked their presence in Nordic combined, with Bill Demong famously winning the first Olympic gold medal for the U.S. in the discipline at the 2010 Vancouver Winter Games, where the team also earned two silver medals.

Maintaining a robust U.S. presence in Nordic combined is essential, particularly as the sport faces uncertainty regarding its future in the Olympics. The possibility of Nordic combined being excluded from the 2030 Winter Olympics in France looms, especially since it is the only Olympic sport lacking gender equality.

“There’s always a risk,” Fletcher warned, noting that the Olympics often aim to refresh their programs, which could lead to certain sports being dropped in favor of new additions.
He emphasized the focus on expanding the sport and creating engaging television coverage in various nations, expressing gratitude for the renewed partnership with Norway, which will allow athletes to promote Nordic combined in the U.S. and internationally.

Nordic combined has been a part of the Winter Olympics since its inception in 1924, presenting athletes with a unique blend of challenges that require courage and finesse in ski jumping, along with the strength and endurance necessary for the 10-kilometer cross-country race.
The Nordic combined World Cup season is scheduled to kick off on November 28 in Ruka, Finland.

While the specifics of the grant awarded to Nordic Combined USA remain confidential, FIS Nordic combined race director Lasse Ottesen expressed hope that this financial support will enhance cooperation with Norway and aid in the development of youth programs within the sport.
“The U.S. plays a significant role in the Nordic combined community, and we eagerly anticipate returning to Salt Lake City for the Olympic Games in 2034,” Ottesen added.