Nordic Combined: Armbruster back to form – third one day after collapse

German youngster Nathalie Armbruster delivered an impressive comeback at the Nordic Combined World Cup in Ramsau. Only a day after she collapsed during the women’s mass start race, the 19‑year‑old returned to take third place in the Gundersen competition.

Armbruster was fourth after the morning ski jump and started the 5 km cross‑country leg 1:17 behind the best jumper, Norway’s Ingrid Laate. Midway through the ski leg, Armbruster overtook Laate and Austria’s Katharina Gruber, having earlier been passed by overall leader Ida Marie Hagen. Armbruster then secured the final podium spot, smiling as she crossed the line 33.5 seconds behind the winner.

Ida Marie Hagen claimed victory — her 20th World Cup win and fifth in Ramsau — saying the venue feels like home. Alexa Brabec (USA) finished second at 18.7 seconds back. Among the other Germans, Jenny Nowak placed 13th and Trine Göpfert 17th after both slipped from their jumping positions.

Reflecting on her scare the previous day, Armbruster said she had been conscious when she fell but that her body simply shut down, calling the podium finish a welcome Christmas present.