The Decline of Germany’s Nordic Combined Dominance

Germany's era as a powerhouse in Nordic Combined appears to be coming to an end, and the sport is now facing significant challenges. Although German athletes continue to excel in cross-country skiing, they are struggling with ski jumping. This was clearly exemplified when Vinzenz Geiger, despite being the fastest in the cross-country segment, was unable to make up for the deficits established during the jumping segment.

To tackle these challenges, Germany's new head coach, Eric Frenzel, is prioritizing improvements in jumping performance, recognizing its critical role in reclaiming the nation's competitive edge. As he works on revamping the training strategies, there is growing concern that without significant progress, Germany may face disappointing results in major upcoming events, particularly the 2025 Nordic Ski World Championships and the 2026 Winter Olympics.

Moreover, the future of Nordic Combined as an Olympic event hangs in the balance. The ongoing decline in both interest and performance diversity has sparked discussions about the need for innovative competitive formats to reinvigorate the sport.