The United States Nordic combined program has received a much-needed financial boost from the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) in order to prepare for the upcoming World Cup season. The grant from FIS allowed Nordic Combined USA to form a new partnership with its Norwegian counterpart, ensuring that American athletes have the support they need to compete at the highest level.
Last June, athletes competing in Nordic combined lost funding for training and coaching from USA Nordic Sport, leading to a scramble to save the season for both men and women athletes. Nordic Combined USA, a volunteer-led nonprofit organization, stepped in to fill the gap and secure funding from donors and FIS to support the program.
The partnership with Norway will allow American athletes to benefit from shared resources such as coaches, training facilities, and sports science data. While Norway competes with the U.S. in Nordic combined, they recognize the importance of strengthening the sport on a global scale and are eager to support their American counterparts.
In the past, American athletes have seen success in Nordic combined, with Bill Demong winning Olympic gold at the 2010 Vancouver Games. However, there is concern that the sport could be at risk of being cut from future Olympic Games if it does not attract enough attention and support. Maintaining a strong American presence in the sport is crucial to ensuring its continued place on the Olympic program.
Nordic combined presents a unique challenge to athletes, combining the finesse of ski jumping with the strength and endurance required for cross-country skiing. The upcoming World Cup season, set to begin in Ruka, Finland on November 28th, will be a key opportunity for American athletes to showcase their skills and compete on the international stage.
While the exact amount of the grant from FIS remains confidential, the support provided will play a vital role in the development of the partnership with Norway and the growth of youth programs in Nordic combined. The future of the sport depends on collaboration between countries and organizations to ensure its continued success and popularity around the world.
