Frida Westman Highlights Gender Inequality in Ski Jumping at the 2026 Winter Olympics

Predazzo, Italy – February 15, 2026, marked a bittersweet moment for Swedish ski jumper Frida Westman at the Olympic Winter Games in Predazzo, Italy. Whereas Westman delivered a strong performance, finishing fourth in the Women’s Large Hill Individual competition , she used the platform to raise concerns about the continued exclusion of women from the Nordic combined event.

A Step Forward for Women’s Ski Jumping

This year’s Olympics saw a significant milestone for women’s ski jumping, with the introduction of competition on the large hill for the first time . Westman’s near-medal finish underscored the growing competitiveness and talent within the sport. However, the joy of competition was tempered by the absence of female athletes in Nordic combined.

The Nordic Combined Controversy

Nordic combined, a sport featuring ski jumping and cross-country skiing, remains the only event at the Winter Olympics without women’s competition. Westman expressed her frustration, stating, “I think it is exceptionally boring. They are allowed to take part in all other competitions, such as the World Cup. After all, it is only the Olympics where they are not allowed to participate.”

Athlete Advocacy and IOC Response

The exclusion of women from Nordic combined has drawn criticism from athletes across various disciplines. Annika Malacinski, an American national team skier in Nordic combined, shared her disappointment on Instagram, stating her Olympic dream had been “taken away from [her]…because of [her] gender.” Westman, a close friend of Malacinski, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the personal impact of the IOC’s decision.

Zak Ketterson, an Olympic cross-country skier, criticized the IOC’s priorities, questioning the allocation of resources towards entertainment while neglecting gender equality in sports. He stated, “You can see how much they spend on getting Snoop Dogg and other special things here, but they can’t do without a little money to include women in the Nordic combination. For me it is incomprehensible.”

The Future of Nordic Combined at the Olympics

The IOC has indicated that the 2026 Olympics will serve as an evaluation period for the future of Nordic combined, citing low participation numbers and declining viewership . Westman fears that without the inclusion of women’s events, the sport may be removed from the Olympic program altogether, stating, “The ladies are an important part of this. Because if they don’t bring in Nordic combination for ladies, they will remove the men in the conclude.” She expressed hope that the IOC will recognize the dedication of athletes advocating for change and include women’s Nordic combined in future Olympic Games.