This story is part of Peak, The Athletic’s desk covering the mental side of sports. Sign up for Peak’s newsletter here.
Nordic combined is a sport that stands out for its unique blend of two very different disciplines: ski jumping and cross-country skiing. Athletes in this event leap off ski jumps at breathtaking speeds and then transition to racing over treacherous snowy terrain—an incredible mental and physical challenge that few sports can boast.
Since its debut at the first Winter Olympics in 1924, Nordic combined has captivated both competitors and audiences alike, largely due to the dual skill set it requires. Athletes earn points for style and distance in ski jumping and then must race at speed and stamina across rugged snow-covered landscapes.
For Johnny Spillane, a world champion and three-time Olympic silver medalist, Nordic combined is unlike any other sport. “I can’t think of any other sport that contradicts itself more than Nordic combined,” he says. In his view, ski jumping is a mental and technical exercise filled with adrenaline, while cross-country skiing demands grit, determination, and extensive training. This paradox makes the sport both thrilling and daunting.
Finding the Right Balance
Spillane notes the inherent tension in training for Nordic combined, stating that excelling in one discipline can often hinder performance in the other. “The more cross-country training you do, the more detrimental it is to your ski jumping and vice versa,” he explains. This balancing act requires athletes to be strategic in their training, identifying which areas to focus on to mitigate weaknesses.
For Spillane, achieving consistent performance in ski jumping was always a struggle. “When I jumped well, I was one of the best,” he reflects. “But I could also be one of the worst.” His solution lay in a well-structured training regimen, working closely with coaches to find a harmonious balance that wouldn’t compromise either skill set. By increasing cross-country training hours—often more than any other country—his team saw improvements in speed and performance.
Constructive Feedback and Weaknesses
A crucial part of Spillane’s approach is the importance of communication and transparency within a coaching team. He emphasizes that identifying weaknesses shouldn’t be viewed negatively; instead, it’s a vital step towards improvement. “Being upfront and honest in a constructive way allows everyone to recognize weaknesses and work on them,” he says.
This supportive environment extends to his current role as a business owner, where he leads over 100 employees. Spillane applies the same principles of identifying strengths and weaknesses to empower his team, putting them in positions to flourish.
The Mental Switch
The contrasting natures of ski jumping and cross-country skiing require athletes to possess different mental fortitude. Spillane sheds light on this aspect, stating, “In cross-country, you have to be willing to hurt yourself; in ski jumping, you need to be confident and mentally strong.” This dichotomy demands a remarkable ability to switch gears mentally.
“In ski jumping, you focus on just one or two key things,” he shares. The quick-paced nature of the jump means that overthinking can lead to failure. Conversely, in cross-country, pacing and endurance become crucial. Break tasks into smaller goals, such as aiming for incremental improvements on each jump or maintaining a steady pace during races.
Rebounding from Fear
While the exhilarating heights of ski jumping can be thrilling, they also carry the risk of injury. Spillane reflects on his experiences: “Though you don’t crash often, when it happens, it can be serious.” The key to overcoming fear lies in the willingness to accept risk and learn to face it head-on.
For Spillane, each return to the jump after an injury is a significant psychological hurdle. “The hardest part is always that first jump back,” he admits, explaining that the secret is to act swiftly, without overthinking. “You just have to do it.”
The Unsung Challenge of Nordic Combined
The remarkable dedication required for Nordic combined often goes unnoticed. Spillane highlights the extensive training, which parallels that of full-time cross-country skiers, compounded with the additional demands of ski jumping. “The number of hours that go into it is mind-boggling,” he reveals, emphasizing that success depends on physical talent and relentless commitment.
Even after nearly a century since its introduction, the sport remains challenging as athletes compete for speed and distance. With the world watching once every four years during the Olympics, Spillane is eager for more people to understand and appreciate the intricacies of Nordic combined—both its rewards and hardships.