"Major Blow": What the ÖSV Says About Olympic Combined's Exit

Nordic Combined does not appear on the competition schedule for the 2030 Winter Olympics in the French Alps. All Info >>>

"Today's decision by the IOC is devastating news for Austrian winter sports and a major blow to Nordic Combined," Mario Stecher is quoted as saying in a statement from Ski Austria.

The sports director was once a world-class Nordic Combined athlete himself, participating in six Winter Olympics and winning the gold medal with the team in both Turin in 2006 and Vancouver in 2010.

Impact Extends Beyond Nordic Combined

Few other disciplines embody tradition and an Austrian success story as much as Nordic Combined.

Stecher: "We are deeply disappointed that the visible development of this sport was not sufficiently taken into account. Our athletes have made enormous progress, which unfortunately does not receive the recognition it deserves."

The impact would extend far beyond the sport. "Ski jumping is also directly affected, because without an Olympic perspective, it will become more difficult in the medium term to maintain ski jumping facilities and sustainably promote young talent."

Young Talent Most Affected

However, young talent is most affected. "Many talents are suddenly deprived of future prospects. Children and young people who train with passion lose their big goal – the Olympic dream," Stecher regrets.

Nevertheless, every effort will be made to "keep Nordic Combined strong and, together with FIS and our partners, find ways to secure an attractive platform and a stable future for this unique sport."