Annika Malacinski

A knack for Nordic Combined runs in Annika Malacinski’s blood. Her father Stephen was a ski instructor, and her mother, Essi hailed from a small town in the arctic circle of Finland. Both Annika and her brother, Nordic Combined National Team member, Niklas Malacinski, were on skis since the time they could walk, both downhill, and cross country. Annika’s career as an athlete began as a gymnast, but when she tried ski jumping for the first time at 16, she fell in love with the feeling of flying. Before every jump, she repeats her mantra, “I am strong. I can do this.” Then, she flys.

Annika qualified for the national team in 2018, overcame a couple of shoulder injuries, and made history competing in the first-ever Women’s Nordic Combined World Cup and World Championships in the 2020/21 season. She hopes to one day qualify for the Olympics.

Annika’s best World Cup finish came during the 2021/22 season, as she placed 12th overall in the Mass Start HS97/5km World Cup in Otepaa. Annika recorded a new Continental Cup personal best during the 2022/23 season, placing 2nd overall in the HS109/5km Continental Cup in Rena, Norway. Earned a 22nd place finish in the HS100/5km event during the 2023 FIS Nordic World Ski Championships in Planica.