Shortly before the start of the Winter Games, combiner Nathalie Armbruster made her Olympic frustration public with an emotional statement.
At the same time, the overall World Cup winner renewed her criticism of the International Olympic Committee, which is not taking women into account in the program for the games in Milan and Cortina that start on Friday (until February 22nd).
“No one should be denied the opportunity to live their dreams – just because they are a woman. And yet here we are: the women of the Nordic Combined 2026 on the sidelines, watching the men compete at the Olympic Games, while we are not allowed to take part,” wrote the 20-year-old, who would have been one of the medal candidates, on Instagram. She also presented a video that shows her in an interview as a young girl talking about her dream of going to the Olympics with her sport.
Armbruster: We “damn deserve” this place
The combined athletes would not want their place at the Winter Games “because we are women and demand equality. We damn well deserve this place – as highly professional, world-class athletes who have met all the requirements that the IOC itself once set,” Armbruster continued. If equality is “not a given” in the 21st century, “then at least it should be justice.”
Combined is the only sport at the games in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo (February 6-22) where there are no women competing. The traditional sport is generally concerned about whether it will remain in the Olympic program; a decision on this should be made after the Winter Games.
Finally, Armbruster made a request: “Dear fans, please watch the men’s competitions at the Olympic Games – the IOC will look at the TV ratings.” Armbruster had previously criticized the IOC several times. The women and men also protested at the last World Cup before the mega event.
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