Mastering the Thrill: Your Ultimate Guide to Nordic Combined at the 2022 Winter Olympics

Nordic Combined remains one of the most thrilling winter sports at the Olympics, blending the explosive power of ski jumping with the endurance challenge of cross-country skiing. Athletes first take to the ski jump hill, where their distance and style scores set the stage for the pursuit format in cross-country racing. The better their jump, the earlier they start the skiing leg, making every second on the hill crucial. Events typically include individual normal hill and large hill competitions, as well as a team relay, putting a premium on both individual skill and team strategy.

This year, several standout athletes have captured the spotlight. Jakob Lange from Norway, the defending Olympic champion, showcases remarkable consistency across both disciplines. Meanwhile, Germany’s Luca Weiss combines technical precision with blistering skiing speed. Other contenders include Japan’s Shogo Takahashi, who has demonstrated impressive form on the World Cup circuit, and the U.S. hopeful Eric Johnson, known for his strong finishes. Below is a quick snapshot of key athletes to watch during the competition:

• Jakob Lange (NOR): Defending Olympic champion, exceptional jumper
• Luca Weiss (GER): Powerful cross-country skier, tactical racer
• Shogo Takahashi (JPN): Rising star with impressive World Cup results
• Eric Johnson (USA): Strong finisher; promising American contender

Precision and aerodynamics define success in ski jumping. Athletes focus on maintaining a streamlined position during flight to maximize distance and stability. Key elements include:

• In-run posture: A low, aerodynamic tuck reduces air resistance.
• Takeoff timing: Crucial to gain optimal lift and momentum.
• Flight form: Keeping skis in a V-shape to improve lift and control.
• Landing technique: A telemark landing earns higher style points from judges.

The combination of explosive power at the ramp and finesse in the air distinguishes top competitors, turning minute adjustments into crucial meter gains on the hill.

On the cross-country course, strategy shifts drastically to endurance and pacing. Athletes must balance energy output over varying terrain, gravitating between bursts of speed and sustained stamina. Core tactics involve:

• Drafting: Conserving energy by skiing behind opponents.
• Gear selection: Choosing the right wax and skis for snow conditions.
• Split pacing: Managing effort intervals to avoid early fatigue.
• Final sprint: Timing a powerful push in the closing meters to secure position.

Effective coordination between technical skill and tactical awareness in both disciplines is what makes Nordic Combined one of the most demanding Winter Olympic events.

Understanding the scoring system in Nordic Combined can elevate your viewing experience significantly. The competition merges ski jumping and cross-country skiing, with each discipline contributing to the final score. In ski jumping, athletes earn points based on distance and style, with judges awarding style points for balance, body position, and landing. These points convert into time advantages or penalties for the cross-country portion, where skiers race in a staggered start format, often called the Gundersen method. The first athlete to cross the finish line in the cross-country race clinches victory, making the competition thrillingly straightforward despite its complex scoring.

When watching the event, keep an eye on how the ski jumping results affect the start times for the cross-country race. Here’s a quick breakdown of how points translate: