Why Is The Nordic Combined one of the toughest games played in the Winter Olympics?

After four years, the much-awaited Winter Olympics is finally back. Olympians have dedicated time and effort mastering their craft and making sure that they are 100% ready for the Games. There are a lot of events played at the Winter Olympics and one of them is the Nordic Combined. Let us take a look at how the game is played and why is it considered as one of the toughest events in the Games.

About the Nordic Combined

This event is a combination of two distinct events, the ski jump and the 10km cross-country relay. This feat alone makes athletes of Nordic Combined one of the well-versed skiers in their category. Why? Because the event starts with athletes speeding off a large hill, where they will do the 140-meters high ski jump (imagine flying across a football field plus another 50 yards). Without proper speed, balance and gumption, as well as right take off and landing position, the ski jump will not be successful. Following the jump, the athletes will then do a 10-kilometer race to test their speed and endurance. Overall, the Nordic Combined is an event that tests the Olympians’ versatility, patience and skills.

Are you watching the Olympics? What’s your favorite winter sport?

50+UPF Sunny Sleevez

About sunnysleevez

I'm a freckly red head, originally from London now living in LA with 2 pale children. Frankly with our coloring we have no business being such an outdoorsy family and living in southern California. I grew up in a time when factor 8 sun milk was considered the best protection available to combat the hot rays of a holiday in southern Spain, that lead to 3rd degree burns and the rest of the vacation spent in the shade of our apartment. As a family we love to be outside, going to the beach, camping, swimming & hiking. We can't completely avoid the sun (nor should we) but taking sensible measures to avoid unnecessary UV damage is a priority. How do we do that? By staying in the shade in the middle of the day, wearing sun protective clothing (that's why I created Sunny Sleevez), a broad brimmed hat, UV rated sunglasses, using chemical-free broad spectrum sun screen on exposed areas & eating a healthy diet with as few chemicals as possible & lots of antioxidants.

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4 Responses to Why Is The Nordic Combined one of the toughest games played in the Winter Olympics?

librarylady says:

February 12, 2014 at 12:51 pm

Yes, definitely watching. Just about anything, but I love the ice dancing and Luge.

mtnjohn says:

February 23, 2014 at 11:54 am

I was watching the nordic combined on dvr this morning and then came across your blog post. Nice post. I agree with your statements about the tough requirements of competing in the discipline. My favorites to watch for the Winter Games are Super-G, Giant Slalom, and ice dancing. Although, for these games in particular, the women’s cross country ski racing has provided some riveting competition.

- sunnysleevez says:
  
  February 25, 2014 at 4:57 pm
  
  I was gutted for Bode Miller failing to meddle in giant Slalom, at least he got bronze in the super-G
  
  - mtnjohn says:
    
    February 28, 2014 at 6:24 pm
    
    Yes, I’m glad he didn’t go home empty handed after all he has been through this year. Really fun watching Ligety and Shiffrin in their respective events. What excitement! I’m eager to watch Shiffrin over the next four years.