Annika Malacinski: Nordic combined is the only Olympic sport that merges ski jumping with cross-country skiing. It’s a beautiful combination of power, technique and endurance, and it's one of the oldest disciplines in the Winter Games. Yet despite this long history, women have never been allowed to compete in Nordic combined at the Olympics. That makes it the only Olympic discipline still closed to women. It's deeply disheartening – not just for those of us training at the highest level, but also for the young girls who look up to this sport and see no pathway to the Games.

SM: Can you talk to us about the experience of watching your family members getting the opportunity to live their Olympic dream while not being allowed to compete in your own sport? What has that felt like, and how do you process those moments?

AM: My brother, Niklas, is working incredibly hard toward his goal of competing in the 2026 Olympics, and watching his dedication has been both inspiring and emotional for me. I see how much he puts into his training, and it mirrors everything I’ve poured into Nordic combined. But while he has a path to the Olympics, I don't – even though I’ve spent years competing at the highest level in my sport. That’s difficult to reconcile. I’m filled with pride for him, but there’s also frustration and sadness knowing that my Olympic dream isn’t even on the table, simply because I’m a woman in a discipline still excluded from the Games. I’ve had to learn how to hold space for both realities – supporting him fully while continuing to speak up for the change we need.

SM: What does Nordic combined mean to you personally? How has it shaped who you are both as an athlete and as a person?

AM: Nordic combined has been part of my life since I was a kid. I was the 2002 Olympic mascot for the Nordic combined boys so it has always been a part of me even though I didn’t start the sport until I turned 16. It’s taught me discipline, resilience and a deep connection to the mountains and the snow. But more than that, it’s shown me what it means to fight for something bigger than myself. This sport has shaped me into a person who believes in equity, in perseverance and in using my voice to make change, even when the odds are against me.

SM: The International Olympic Committee is set to vote this June on whether to include women’s Nordic Combined in the 2030 Winter Games. What needs to happen before then to make sure women’s voices are heard? What can fans and supporters do to help?

AM: We need everyone – fans, athletes, allies – to speak up. Share our stories. Tag the Olympics. Write letters to the IOC demanding women’s Nordic combined be included! Support the athletes who are training, competing and pushing the sport forward. Visibility matters. Momentum matters. When people raise their voices collectively, it becomes impossible to ignore. I truly believe this vote isn’t just about Nordic combined – it’s about whether the Olympic movement still believes in gender equality.

SM: You’re not just an athlete; you’re also becoming an advocate. Who inspires you in that role? What keeps you grounded and motivated in the face of such a long uphill battle?

AM: I draw inspiration from so many women in sport who’ve paved the way – Alex Morgan, Mikaela Shiffrin, Allyson Felix – women who refused to accept the status quo and fought for their place. But honestly, I’m most inspired by the younger girls coming up in the sport. They remind me why I’m doing this. I stay grounded by surrounding myself with a strong community of family, teammates and mentors, and by staying connected to the love I have for the sport itself.

SM:  Anything else you would like to add?

AM: I recently released a short film called “Annika – Where She Lands” that tells a bit more of my story and what it’s like to pursue a dream that’s still out of reach. I’d love for people to watch it, share it and join this movement. We’re not asking for special treatment; we’re just asking for a lane to compete in.