You cross-country ski. You jump. It's as simple and as gruelling as that.
Nordic skiing's been on the Olympic calendar since the inaugural Winter Olympic Games in Chamonix in 1924. For the first 12 years, the Norwegians won every available medal until their stranglehold on the sport was broken by the Fins, Swedes and Germans. In 1998, a team competition was added to the Nordic Combined calendar.
The kit
To win in Nordic combined, you need double the gear, and must divide your training time between the two distinctly different disciplines. Testing, huh?
Competitions
There are lots of variations on the Nordic theme – but the individual competition is a K90 metre jumping competition and a 15km cross country race. Each skier is allowed one trial and two competition jump, with the last two counting towards their total score. The start order of the cross-country race is then determined by the jumping results.
A typical race takes place on a 5km loop so that the skiers will pass through the stadium three times. This gives spectators a better view of the race. The first skier to cross the finish line is the winner of the entire competition.
Find out more
For competition details, calendars and results, visit the International Ski Federation website.
