Live Talk with Annika Malacinski

Annika Malacinski was our guest in the latest episode of the FIS Nordic Combined Instagram Live Talk series.

The American reported on her team's upcoming cooperation with Norway, how she was dealing with the IOC's decision last year and answered personal questions from her fans.

In June, the 22-year-old spent 3 weeks in Oslo training with the Norwegian team.

"This cooperation seems a bit surreal because Norway is one of the best teams in the world and it’s going to be so beneficial for us to experience their knowledge and skills," said Malacinski. “I am going to move in with the Hagen sisters in August and am so excited. I am also very eager to learn the language because I just love Norway.”

The cooperation is a result of the decision of the International Olympic Committee in June 2022, in which the Nordic Combined women were denied participation in the Olympic Winter Games 2026 in Milano Cortina.

As a result, the International Ski Federation launched a “Nations supporting Nations” program, in which stronger nations support and encourage the others.

Not only is the day of the IOC decision burned into the memory of every Nordic Combined fan, also Malacinski knows exactly where she was when the horror news broke.

“I was travelling back from Europe to the US that day and I bought an airplane wifi – which is rare – because I wanted to be a part of everything”, the American recalls.

"Everybody was so sure that we'd get in that I even asked the flight attended for a bottle of champagne to celebrate afterwards."

But in the end, the result of the press conference was just a big shock for the whole Nordic Combined family.

"It was a crazy meeting," says Malacinski. “Everything was so quick and I was like ‘What just happened’? When it came clear that they denied us, I was just shocked and rushed to the bathroom where I sobbed for hours.”

The emotional video that the young athlete shared on her social channels during these minutes went around the world.

Today her helplessness at the time has turned into action. “In the weeks after the decision I was contemplating what to do with my life now, because everything revolves around the Olympics in the US – sponsoring, funding, recognition! But at some point, I asked myself, why am I so hung up on one event that happens every four years when I still have World Cups and World Championships to attend? Now, I just want to enjoy and love my sport and fight for what’s right.”

The complete live talk, including Malacinski’s personal song request, which will be added to the exclusive Nordic Combined Athletes playlist on Spotify in the coming months, is available as a reel on the official FIS Nordic Combined Instagram account.