Nordic combined: Annika Malacinski recounts her fall in Oberstdorf
On 28 August, American nordic combined Annika Malacinski suffered a terrifying fall during the ski jumping competition at the women’s Grand Prix in Oberstdorf (Germany). It was a day of celebration for the women: they were experiencing their first big jump at international level.
Unfortunately, it all ended in a fall and a stay in hospital for the American. Not yet fully recovered almost two months later, since she had to withdraw from her national championships on Saturday, Annika Malacinski agreed to tell Nordic Magazine about that difficult day. And to talk about her daily life since the ordeal in her quest to return to competition.
Annika Malacinski’s poignant, moving and resilient story
“On the historic day of the first-ever women’s Nordic Combined big hill competition on the 120-meter jump in Oberstdorf, Germany, I was ready. Confidence radiated through me as I prepared to make my mark on the sport once again. This was a milestone not only for me but for every woman who has been pushing the boundaries in Nordic Combined, fighting for the recognition we deserve. This competition was meant to be one for the history books, and indeed, it was—just not in the way I had hoped.”
“As I stood at the top of the ski jump, poised to take my jump, I felt everything aligning. I had been working with my mental coach, and that extra edge of confidence had carried me through the days leading up to this competition. The weather was perfect, and the conditions were ideal. As I was flagged to go, I felt a rush of adrenaline, knowing I was about to fly. But only five meters into the air, disaster struck.”
“My mind was racing, but somehow, through it all, a voice inside told me I was going to be okay”Annika Malacinski at Nordic Magazine
“My right ski boot malfunctioned. The back clip came undone, and within seconds, I lost the ski altogether. I could feel the shift in my balance and the overwhelming sensation that I was no longer in control. I knew right away I was going to crash. Everything slowed down. As I watched my right ski fly away from me, I braced myself for the impact, preparing for what was inevitable—a high-speed fall from 10 meters in the air, hurtling down toward the unforgiving plastic of the outrun.”
“In that moment, something instinctive kicked in. My gymnastics background came to my rescue, and I twisted my body mid-air to try and protect myself. Instead of landing face-first or sideways, I managed to rotate onto my back and slid down the outrun. The force of the impact was overwhelming, and I could barely catch my breath. My mind was racing, but somehow, through it all, a voice inside told me I was going to be okay.”
“I had come out of one of the scariest moments of my career with only a battered and bruised body”Annika Malacinski at Nordic Magazine
“The medical team responded quickly, placing me in a neck brace and wheeling me to the ambulance. From there, things moved even faster. I was airlifted by helicopter to a nearby hospital for urgent tests. As terrifying as it was, there was a strange sense of calm in knowing that I hadn’t broken anything. The moment I hit the ground, I felt sore but intact. After hours of X-rays and scans, the doctors confirmed it—no broken bones, no internal injuries. I had come out of one of the scariest moments of my career with only a battered and bruised body.”
“As I reflect on the experience, I can’t help but feel an odd sense of pride. Yes, it was terrifying, but it was also a historic moment. I am the first woman to compete in a 120-meter Nordic Combined competition—and now, the first woman to fall in one, too. And while I wouldn’t wish that on anyone, I’m grateful that I can now look back, laugh, and make light of it on social media.”
“I know this fall will stay with me—not as a failure, but as a testament to the risks we take as athletes in pursuit of excellence”Annika Malacinski at Nordic Magazine
“From that terrifying fall, I’ve gained a new level of respect for my sport, my body, and the resilience of athletes who take on challenges like these. It reminded me of the fine line we walk between triumph and disaster in ski jumping. Every jump is a mix of skill, precision, and, sometimes, a little bit of luck. While this competition didn’t end the way I had envisioned, I’m thankful to be standing, laughing about it, and gearing up for the next jump.”
“As I continue on my journey toward the World Cup and beyond, I know this fall will stay with me—not as a failure, but as a testament to the risks we take as athletes in pursuit of excellence. And yes, I’ll keep making TikTok and Instagram trends to keep the memory alive! I’ll be back. Stronger, wiser, and even more determined to fly further, faster, and higher.”
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