Westvold Hansen Once Again Crowned Queen of the Combined - Armbruster's Comeback

Westvold Hansen Once Again Crowned Queen of the Combined - Armbruster's Comeback

Originally published in Sportschau on March 02, 2025

Nordic Ski World Championships:
Gyda Westvold Hansen emerged victorious once again in the Nordic Combined event, cementing her status as the reigning champion. Armbruster attempted a remarkable comeback but ultimately missed out on a medal, finishing eighth after a disappointing performance on the jump.

In challenging conditions characterized by pouring rain, the German hopes rested on Jenny Nowak, who was positioned sixth and merely eight seconds shy of the bronze medal. However, she was unable to close the gap during her race, concluding as the fifth best German athlete in the event.

Westvold Hansen's strong performance came as a surprise to many, considering she had not won a World Cup event this season. She won her gold medal with a comfortable lead of 6.6 seconds over her teammate from Norway, Ida Marie Hagen, who secured the silver medal, while Lisa Hirner of Austria took the bronze.

Nathalie Armbruster highlighted the emotional aspect of the race, admitting her frustration with her jump performance but was ultimately pleased with her ability to rally back and finish strong in the run, stating, "I don't recall the last time I started so far back."

The competition showcased the intense rivalry and resilience present in the Nordic Ski world, particularly among the women's competitors, as they aim for podium finishes at the highest levels.