Nathalie Armbruster and the World Championship Pressure: Favorite Must Wait for a Medal

At the Nordic Ski World Championships in Trondheim, Nathalie Armbruster, a 19‐year‐old Nordic combined athlete and current World Cup leader, took part in her first competition under immense pressure. Despite being considered a favorite, she finished in sixth place after a 5-kilometer cross-country run and a ski jump that saw her lose precious meters – a result that came just 4.2 seconds behind Gyda Westvold Hansen in the cross-country leg, though her jump was 89 meters in length. The Japanese athlete Yuna Kasai claimed the world title, with Germany’s Jenny Nowak finishing fifth.

Armbruster speaks openly about the mix of excitement and pressure preceding the event. The unique atmosphere in Trondheim – where large machinery clears paths and the arena is being readied with final touches including the decoration with Norwegian flags – seems to energize her. Despite the challenges, her anticipation about the crowd, support from friends and family, and the overall spirit of the home crowd in Norwegen add to her determination. She recalls how, two years ago in Planica, similar support from loved ones buoyed her when she initially won a surprise silver medal, an experience etched in her memory.

For Nathalie, being a family person is paramount. Her parents, her close friends, and her personal trainer stand by her throughout, providing the emotional anchor she needs while she juggles rigorous training sessions with her Abitur studies. Her coach, Florian Aichinger, praises her ability to balance school and sports – a feat she manages in brief, focused sessions between competitions.

While she admits that the Trondheim ski hill is not her favorite, she is determined to manage expectations and focus on the moments that matter. Even as she contemplates future uncertainties – such as missing out on the upcoming Olympic Winter Games in 2026 and the broader issues of Olympic qualification for Nordic combined – she chooses to channel her energy into embracing the unique atmosphere of the World Championships and the thrill of competition.

Ultimately, Nathalie’s strategy is to let go of the mounting pressure and instead savor the anticipation and excitement of this great event. Her reflections highlight not only her personal journey but also the future of the sport, which relies on international exposure, funding, and nurturing new talent.