Nordic Combined Event

Nordic combined is actually two events rolled into one. Competitors will do at least one ski jump. Following the ski jump, they will cross country ski over a certain distance. These two competitions were first practiced by members of the Norwegian military. The first recognized competition was held at a ski festival in 1892.

European countries such as Finland, Germany, and Austria have been the top competitors in Nordic combined for many years. Samppa Lajunen is a name recognized throughout Nordic competition as the best.

The order in which the Nordic events were run changed in the 1960s. Officials felt that this would make the event more exciting. In the past, the cross country was held and then the ski jumping. It was found that the winner was too often determined by the ski jumping.