Wolfgang Pichler, who succeeded brilliantly with the biathlon team for many years, is part of the "Olympic Offensive" working group where the task is to find and develop new talents in winter sports.

According to a survey by SOK, Sweden is currently active in 51 percent of sports in a winter Olympics.

In October 2019 Wolfgang Pichler told him that he would start a Swedish women's team in a Nordic combination that will be competing at the 2026 Olympics.

But nothing has happened since then.

"We never talked about it"

If you listen to Ola Strömberg, associate director at the ski association, it sounds like there is a long way to go before a team is formed at all.

- We never talked about it. But if there are enough ladies who are willing to invest in it, it is very exciting. What Wolfgang came out with then was probably his own personal opinions, but that was not discussed with us in any way, says Strömberg.

What Wolfgang said was not rooted in you?

- No, we were not involved in those thoughts then. No.

Have you had any discussions about it in the end?

- We never really had a discussion about it, not then or now. Not in the Nordic combination specifically.

What is needed to get a women's team?

- If it does not exist now, it will require a lot of time and resources despite it being a new sport. Many large countries are involved in investing a lot of money. A major investment is required in terms of training and money.

Focus on jumping for ladies

No focus on Nordic combination for OS2026. However, there is a focus on jumping for women.

- There have been discussions and thoughts between SOK and back-jumping to see if any special initiatives can be made. But nothing has materialized on their part. We support back jumping, but it has not been any project or venture from SOK - yet. But it might come.

Cross-country skiing and ski jumping - but no Nordic combination?

- Yes, exactly so. There are skiers within the Nordic combination, but not at the national team level. Should we find opportunities in the future, we would invest in it, but that is not primarily in our strategy. We will focus on what we are good at today and where there is potential. Then back-jumping, specifically lady, is exciting.

Why do you have no support from SOK when it comes to women's jumping?

- A combination of many things. SOK is - which I think is quite right - quite tough with where they support with money and resources. And we're not quite there yet.

- I hope we can get there to get support, but I have no problem with them not being in the current situation as long as it is clear what it takes to actually get involved.