Olympics 2026: Lindsey Vonn to Help Save Nordic Combined?

The 2026 Winter Olympics are officially underway, with opening ceremonies taking place in both Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo due to the distances between venues. Competition has already begun, with curling and ice hockey matches already completed, including a 4-1 loss for the German women’s hockey team against Sweden.

A Fight for Olympic Inclusion

Amidst the competition, a significant concern looms over the future of Nordic Combined skiing. The sport faces potential exclusion from the Olympic program due to low television ratings and limited participation from a diverse range of nations. German Nordic Combined head coach Eric Frenzel described the situation as a potential “catastrophe” and stressed the need for proactive measures.

Did You Know? Eric Frenzel, the current German Nordic Combined coach, previously won seven Olympic medals as an athlete, including three gold medals.

Germany has a strong history in Nordic Combined, having secured one gold and one silver medal at the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, second only to Norway in overall Olympic success in the sport. Frenzel emphasized the pressure to perform, stating, “The success obligates. We wouldn’t be athletes if the hunger for medals wasn’t there.”

Seeking a Boost from a Superstar

Recognizing the need for increased visibility, Frenzel and his team are hoping for support from an unexpected source: American ski racing icon Lindsey Vonn. According to reports, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) considers social media presence a factor in determining Olympic inclusion. Frenzel believes a single post from Vonn, who has 2.8 million Instagram followers, could significantly benefit the sport.

Expert Insight: The reliance on social media influence to secure a sport’s place in the Olympics highlights the evolving dynamics of the Games and the increasing importance of public engagement beyond traditional viewership. This demonstrates a shift in priorities, where visibility and broad appeal are becoming as crucial as athletic performance.

However, Frenzel clarified that the team will not resort to provocative tactics to gain attention, stating, “We will not undress, that doesn’t suit us.” The team intends to focus on strong performances and promoting the sport through legitimate means.

Official training for Frenzel’s team begins Monday, with the first of three medal events scheduled for Wednesday.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the current threat to Nordic Combined’s Olympic status?

Low television ratings and a lack of broad international participation are putting Nordic Combined at risk of being removed from the Olympic program.

What role is Lindsey Vonn expected to play?

The German team hopes that Lindsey Vonn will share information about Nordic Combined on her social media channels, given her large following on Instagram.

What is the German team’s approach to gaining visibility?

The team intends to focus on strong athletic performances and promoting the sport through appropriate channels, and will not engage in attention-seeking behavior.

As the 2026 Winter Olympics progress, will increased visibility and strong performances be enough to secure the future of Nordic Combined on the Olympic stage?