The Olympic Committee’s Surprising Take on Women’s Combined Events
As the dust settles after a stirring World Cup race in Seefeld, the head of the Olympic Committee finds himself grappling with an unexpected decision regarding the women’s combined event, leaving many, including seasoned athletes, in disbelief.
Toni Roponen, the Olympic Committee’s top sports director, is voicing his concerns about the exclusion of women’s combined from the Olympic lineup. He struggles to comprehend the rationale behind the decision, citing the relatively low international competition levels and investments in the sport from various countries.
“It’s puzzling,” Roponen remarks. “Only a few hundred women globally compete at a high level in combined events. Yet sports like skimo and luge continue to hold Olympic status despite having similar or even smaller athlete pools.”
He reflects on the criteria set by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) as potentially misguided. “Concerns about competition levels should not solely dictate the future of a sport,” he adds thoughtfully, while acknowledging that, in terms of TV viewership, combined ranks lower among FIS’s Nordic skiing disciplines—a factor that isn’t a primary concern for the IOC.
Roponen contends that the essence of including women’s combined in the Olympics lies not just in current numbers but in the potential and depth of talent in the sport. He highlights the capabilities of athletes like Minja Korhonen and Heta Hirvonen, who, despite the challenges, are proof of the sport’s competitiveness. “If the combined level were genuinely low, none of our athletes would stand a chance in ski jumping,” he states.
The rationale behind the IOC’s current pursuits—to pursue new sports, such as introducing lacrosse and expanding the Winter Games—only amplifies the discrepancies for combined. Roponen admits, however, that he’s at a loss for what concrete steps could elevate women’s combined to Olympic status.
“There’s been ample campaigning to advocate for this issue leading up to the World Cup,” he notes. “Now, it’s all about how decision-makers respond to these voices. Protests have certainly spurred discussions, but we must remember that these decisions come with a level of responsibility as the IOC seeks to improve gender equity in the Games.”
Heta Hirvonen, one of the many athletes advocating for the cause, feels her efforts are starting to resonate. “Everything leading up to the Olympics takes on added significance,” she asserts, underscoring the collective push to ensure women’s combined finds its rightful place among Olympic sports.
In a recent Olympic competition, the duo of Hirvonen and Korhonen performed commendably, taking 25th and 31st place respectively. Their results surpassed those of Finland’s specialist ski jumper, Jenny Rautionaho. Despite the pressures of preparation, Korhonen insists that their focus was unwavering. “We concentrated on recovery and our jumping,” he explains. “Whether competing in combined or downhill, we maintain that focus.”
Just days before their Olympic debuts, they competed in the Seefeld World Cup, a testament to their unwavering commitment. As Korhonen candidly reflects, “There hasn’t been a moment to relax, yet we remain dedicated to our goals.”
Both Hirvonen and Korhonen remain hopeful. While they acknowledge their Olympic performances weren’t flawless, they maintain that they’re capable contenders. Korhonen, who has celebrated eight World Cup podium finishes in her career, six of which were this season alone, and Hirvonen, who has made the top ten multiple times, are eager to showcase their skills and drive for the Olympic dream—one that they believe should encompass the women’s combined event.
As the discussions unfold, all eyes are on the decision-makers to see if they respond to the clamor for inclusion, reminding us once again of the powerful currents that shape the Olympics.