A harrowing incident occurred during a team competition in Nordic combined on Thursday, , when American athlete Ben Loomis was struck by a snow groomer while preparing for his ski jump. Loomis completed his jump, landing at 116 meters, despite the collision.
The incident unfolded as Loomis was poised to begin his jump. According to reports, a member of the maintenance crew operating a snow groomer was still on the in-run when Loomis initiated his attempt. Traveling at approximately 50 km/h, Loomis was struck in the arm by the machine.
“When I was released, I wondered if it was still moving,” Loomis said after his jump, as translated from the original report. “It didn’t hurt, it just left a mark on my suit. Thankfully it was just my arm. If it had hit my face, it would have been different.”
The U.S. Team considered protesting the jump and requesting a re-do, but ultimately decided against it. The team’s coach, Emil Wilhelmsen, explained that conditions were deemed too unfavorable to secure a fair advantage from a second attempt.
“I assume there was a communication failure,” Wilhelmsen stated. “It’s frustrating when I’ve already given the signal and Ben is ready to go, but the groomers are still on the track. It’s really irritating.”
This isn’t an isolated incident. A similar situation occurred with American Jason Colby in Zakopane in the past. Organizers have attributed these occurrences to the noise of the machinery and the focus of the maintenance crew on the in-run area.
Lasse Ottesen, a FIS director, acknowledged the incident, stating, “It was an extreme day. The team did a great job. It’s a shame about the incident with Loomis. Fortunately, nothing serious happened, but it shouldn’t happen. The person apologized to the jury, and FIS apologized to the USA.”
Nordic combined, a sport with roots stretching back to 1892, combines the endurance of cross-country skiing with the precision of ski jumping. The first major competition was held at the Holmenkollen Ski Festival in Oslo, Norway. The sport has been a fixture of the Winter Olympics since the inaugural games in 1924, and the FIS Nordic Combined World Cup has been held annually since 1983.
The Gundersen method, commonly used in Nordic combined competitions, adds a layer of strategic complexity. Ski jumping results translate into time advantages or disadvantages in the subsequent cross-country skiing segment. The ski jumping winner begins the cross-country race with a zero-second time penalty, while those with lower scores start with progressively longer delays. This system ensures that both disciplines contribute significantly to the overall outcome.
Historically, the sport has been dominated by Norwegian and Finnish athletes. West Germany broke this stronghold in 1960 when Georg Thoma won gold at the Winter Olympics. The sport demands a unique blend of athleticism, technique, and mental fortitude, requiring competitors to excel in two very different disciplines.
The incident with Loomis raises questions about safety protocols and communication between athletes, coaches, and maintenance crews during competitions. While the athlete escaped serious injury, the near miss underscores the potential dangers inherent in the sport and the need for vigilant oversight to prevent future occurrences. The FIS apology suggests an acknowledgement of a lapse in procedure, and a review of safety measures is likely to follow.
The Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, scheduled to take place next year, will once again feature Nordic combined. The event will be closely watched by fans and athletes alike, and the focus on safety will undoubtedly be heightened in the wake of this recent incident. The sport’s continued success relies not only on the skill and dedication of its athletes but also on the commitment of governing bodies to prioritize their well-being.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks involved in winter sports and the importance of meticulous preparation and communication. While Loomis’s ability to complete his jump after the collision is a testament to his resilience, it also highlights the potential for more serious consequences. The hope is that this event will prompt a thorough review of safety protocols and lead to improvements that will protect athletes in the future.
