Nordic Combined is the only sport on the current Olympic program that is only open to men. Many athletes are working to change that, including Team USA's Annika Malacinski. We talk with Annika about how the sport works, which surprisingly involves a lot of body measurements (see: ski jumping suit scandal at Beijing), and we learn about one of the best winner's prizes ever.

Annika gets pretty frank with us about how tough it is to not have her discipline in the Olympics. It tried to get into 2022, but was denied. Its attempt to get into 2026 needs your help!

Next week, the International Olympic Committee Executive Board will meet, and finalizing the Milan-Cortina 2026 sports program is on the agenda. You can show your support for inclusion of women's Nordic combined by:

1. Contacting an IOC member.
2. Signing the Change.org petition.
3. Posting support on social media - be sure to tag USA Nordic, FIS Nordic Combined, US Ski and Snowboard, Team USA, the Olympic Games and local/national news outlets with your support or opinion.

Here's USA Nordic's call to action.

Follow Annika on Instagram and TikTok!

In our Albertville 1992 history moment, Alison's back on the ice with details about the top four ice dance teams and one controversial costume.

n our Team Keep the Flame Alive Update (TKFLA), we have news from TKFLASTANIs:

• Wheelchair curler Steve Emt
• Race walker Evan Dunfee
• Commentator Rob Snoek
• Beach volleyball player Kelly Claes Cheng
• Former bobsledder Nick Cunningham
• Paralympian John Register - check out his article in U.S. Veterans Magazine.
• Speedskater Erin Jackson

In Paris 2024 news, the disagreements over the proposed basketball venue are quickly turning into a novela. Who will end up in Lille, basketball or handball?

In Winter 2030 bid news, a First Nations/Canadian bid team has announced its engagement phase for a Games coming back to Vancouver and Whistler....and Sun Peaks (Kamloops). We've got details on the initial plan and run down what's going on with the other bid city hopefuls. Targeted dialogue should start in December, with a host city possibly announced at the IOC Session in Mumbai next May/June.

For a transcript of this episode, please visit: https://flamealivepod.com/2022/06/17/episode241/

Thanks so much for listening, and until next time, keep the flame alive!

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Keep the Flame Alive: The Podcast for Fans of the Olympics and Paralympics with hosts Jill Jaracz & Alison Brown

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