After dedicating years of her life to elite training, American athlete Annika Malacinski has learned that her Olympic dream will not materialize in 2026 — not because of performance, but because her sport remains excluded from the Games.

Malacinski, now 24, recently went viral after revealing that women are still not permitted to compete in Nordic Combined at the Winter Olympics. Her emotional story has racked up more than 1.5 million views online, sparking global conversations about gender inequality in sports.

She first discovered her passion for Nordic Combined at age 16. The sport, which blends ski jumping with cross-country skiing, was then largely inaccessible to girls. Despite limited opportunities and infrastructure for female athletes, Malacinski pushed forward, training intensely and competing internationally with hopes of reaching the Olympic stage.

Years later, those hopes were dashed when it became clear that women’s Nordic Combined would not be included in the 2026 Winter Games program. While male athletes in the sport have long enjoyed Olympic status, female competitors continue to be excluded.

Malacinski’s experience has renewed calls for reform, as athletes and advocates urge Olympic authorities to recognize women’s Nordic Combined and ensure equal opportunities across all winter sports disciplines.