Six Steamboat Athletes Selected for the 2024-25 U.S. Nordic Combined National Team

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On Wednesday, U.S. Ski and Snowboard proudly announced the roster of 14 outstanding athletes chosen to represent the 2024-25 U.S. Nordic Combined National Team.

This year, Steamboat Springs leads the way with six Nordic combined skiers making the cut, more than any other town on the list.

“I’m excited to introduce this year’s Nordic combined teams,” remarked Anders Johnson, the Sports Director for Ski Jumping and Nordic Combined. “The athletes have shown remarkable progress over the past year, showcasing their hard work and dedication. I eagerly anticipate watching this team shine in the World Cup tour and at the World Championships in Trondheim, Norway.”

U.S. Nordic Combined National Team 2024-25

A Team — Ben Loomis (Eau Claire, WI); Annika Malacinski (Steamboat Springs); Niklas Malacinski (Steamboat Springs); Stephen Schumann (Park City, UT).
B Team — Alexa Brabec (Steamboat Springs); Kai McKinnon (Lake Placid, NY); Carter Brubaker (Anchorage, AK).
Development Team — Skylar Amy (Anchorage, AK); Haley Brabec (Steamboat Springs); Ian Carmak (Park City, UT); Augie Roepke (Park City, UT); Arthur Tirone (Steamboat Springs); Ella Wilson (Steamboat Springs); Caleb Zuckerman (Hanover, NH).

During the 2023-24 season, the U.S. Nordic combined team achieved personal best finishes throughout the World Cup circuit. Notably, Steamboat’s Annika Malacinski was the highest-ranking American in the overall World Cup standings, finishing 14th. She celebrated top-10 finishes on three occasions and recorded a personal-best eighth-place finish in Ramsau, Austria.

Alexa Brabec also shone this past season, earning the title of Nordic Combined Athlete of the Year. She secured her best World Cup result by placing 10th in Seefeld, Austria, ultimately finishing 21st in the overall standings. Additionally, she made history as the first American woman to medal in Nordic combined at the Junior World Championships, taking home two silver medals in Planica, Slovenia, earlier this year.

Niklas Malacinski wrapped up his season with personal-best performances, finishing 14th overall. Alongside Loomis and Schumann, he also achieved a top-30 position in the men’s Nordic combined World Cup standings—an impressive accomplishment not seen for the U.S. in a decade.

In June, significant changes were announced regarding funding for the sport. This led to the creation of Nordic Combined USA, an organization dedicated to providing financial support for coaching, equipment, and travel expenses for the U.S. National Team, while also fostering a sustainable future for the discipline in the U.S.

“This team has incredible potential this year,” stated Jill Brabec, president of Nordic Combined USA. “We are committed to funding these athletes to help them compete at the highest level and represent the U.S. internationally.”

“Our sport is at a pivotal moment, especially with the International Olympic Committee considering the inclusion of women and the continued participation of men in the 2030 Olympics,” Jill Brabec emphasized. “As it stands, Nordic combined is the only Winter Olympic sport that does not include women. The success of our national team, along with our efforts to promote and raise awareness about the sport, are essential for its future.”

The Nordic combined season will kick off with U.S. Nationals in Lake Placid, New York, from October 12-13, followed by the World Cup season opening in Ruka, Finland, from November 29 to December 1. The women’s season will conclude in Oslo, Norway, from March 14-16, while the men will wrap up in Lahti, Finland, from March 21-23.