vrouwenuitgesloten van nieuwjaarscombinatie bij Olympische Winterspelen 2026

2026-02-11 sport

Milaan, woensdag, 11 februari 2026.
De nieuwjaarscombinatie op de Olympische Winterspelen 2026 in Milaan-Cortina is nog steeds alleen voor mannen. Vrouwen mogen niet meedoen, ondanks groeiende kritiek. Het Internationaal Olympisch Comité (IOC) zegt zich in te zetten voor gendergelijkheid, maar maakt hier een uitzondering. Er zijn nu meer dan tweehonderd vrouwelijke atleten wereldwijd actief in de sport. Zij zien de spelinclusie als een stap terug. Hun toekomst hangt af van besluiten na 2026. Als er geen verandering komt, dreigt het complete vak van de Olympische kaart te verdwijnen.

nordic combined remains men-only at milan-cortina 2026

Women are excluded from competing in Nordic Combined at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milaan-Cortina, despite growing criticism [1]. The event, combining ski jumping and cross-country skiing, has been part of the Winter Games since 1924 but remains the only Olympic sport without a women’s category [2][3]. Although the IOC promotes the 2026 Games as ‘the most gender-balanced’ with 47% female participation, women are barred from this discipline [4]. The decision was confirmed in 2022 and reaffirmed ahead of the Games [1][4].

growing backlash from athletes and advocates

Female athletes express deep disappointment over their exclusion. American nordic combined skier Annika Malacinski described the 2022 announcement as “the worst day of my entire life” [5]. She stated, “Watching my brother go to the Olympics has been bittersweet… because of my gender, I have to sit at home” [5]. Italian competitor Alessia Dejori said she was ready to quit the sport upon hearing the news [4]. German athlete Niki Armbruster called it an injustice, emphasizing women train equally hard [4]. Their protests highlight systemic inequity in Olympic representation [5].

ioc cites structural concerns for delay

The International Olympic Committee justified the exclusion by citing concerns over the sport’s sustainability [1][4]. Officials argue that both men’s and women’s Nordic Combined must demonstrate growth in participation and audience appeal [4]. The IOC warns the entire discipline risks removal from future Olympics if improvements are not made [4]. A full evaluation will occur after 2026, determining whether the sport continues for both genders at the 2030 French Alps Games [1][4]. Critics argue this places undue burden on women athletes seeking inclusion [5].

women’s sport grows independently of olympics

Despite Olympic exclusion, women’s Nordic Combined has expanded rapidly. The inaugural Women’s World Cup launched in the 2020-21 season [4]. Over 200 female athletes now compete internationally [1][4]. The first women’s event at the Nordic World Ski Championships took place in 2021, drawing ten nations [4]. Top performers like Tara Geraghty-Moats and Alexa Brabec have achieved elite results [4]. Viewership for women’s events often exceeds men’s outside the Olympic framework [5]. Yet, the absence of Olympic recognition hampers funding and visibility [5].

uncertain future hinges on 2030 decision

The survival of Nordic Combined in the Olympics depends on reforms following the 2026 Games [1][4]. The IOC has explicitly linked the sport’s future to ‘significant positive developments’ in gender inclusivity, participation rates, and audience engagement [4]. If no women’s event is introduced by 2030, pressure may lead to eliminating the men’s event altogether [5]. Former US Nordic skier Billy Demong called the situation an ‘epic fail’ on gender equity [4]. Advocates stress that delaying inclusion undermines the credibility of Olympic values [5].

Bronnen

nieuwejaarscombinatie gendergelijkheid