kombinert

Kombinert, or Nordic combined, is a winter sport that unites ski jumping and cross-country skiing. Competitors perform a ski jumping effort on a normal hill (and sometimes a large hill), and the jump results determine the starting gaps for the subsequent cross-country race via the Gundersen method; the winner is the athlete who crosses the finish line first in the cross-country portion.

History and governance: Nordic combined originated in the Nordic countries in the late 19th and early 20th centuries as a test of proficiency in both jumping and distance skiing. It is governed internationally by the International Ski Federation (FIS). It has been part of the Winter Olympic program for men since 1924, with women's participation expanding in the 21st century.

Formats: The most common event is the individual Gundersen format: one or more jumps, followed by a cross-country race (usually around 10 km). There are sprint formats with shorter cross-country distances and team events where teams of four compete in alternating jumps and a relay-style cross-country race. Some events use different hill sizes and race lengths, and the cross-country portion is typically contested with freestyle (skating) technique in modern competitions, though historical formats used classic technique.

Equipment: Athletes use specialized Nordic skis for both jumping and cross-country segments, along with bindings, boots, and aerodynamic suits that comply with FIS rules.

Competition structure: The sport is contested on the World Cup circuit, world championships, and the Olympic Games, with top athletes from Norway, Germany, Austria, and other Nordic countries regularly competing at the highest level.