The FIS congress, or whatever they call the meetings vote on the calendar through I think 2021 in May, than "reaffirmed it" in October. Now, they meet again in May, and they could change things moving forward. I bet we'll have a fr idea then
As it's been explained to me, the IOC doesn't have to follow the FIS lead, or recommendation, but if FIS does kill the combined, the chances of seeing it in future Olympics is nil. Kind of interesting as I do think there is a nostalgia vote to be cast there. People coming out and saying that it's the only time that tech and speed "come together." Of course others say "Why should they?" We'll see.
FIS is all about better viewing, better crowds, a better product for TV and advertisers. And it sounds like their experience with parallel SL, City events, and all of that "stuff" that involves head to head runs, short "sprint" runs, more views of the racers, more face time, etc. has been very positive. So, I think we can bet on more.
At the Olympics, I guess we could see a parallel event for each gender to replace the combined. I bet that the Team event survives in some form, but it needs to be reworked. It's also just not a big deal, at least for some nations, and nobody is forcing federations to ski their best. Another interesting question is "who is the best?" Hirscher has never liked them, or done well.
The way those courses were set, first of all one course had a pretty decent speed advantage. You don't run both, so if your ranking and draw puts you on the fast course, that might be worth .20 secs. That needs to be fixed. The courses are SO fast, and so down the far line that the tallest guys have huge advantage. Much as they did in the days of the old pro ski tour. Bode hinted at it, but didn't want to call the event a joke. The really tall guys, with long legs, can ski an entirely different race. Have to fix that. BUT, I think the Team Event in some form stays.
Some pretty humorous suggestion. Many jokes over the years about an alpine biathlon. With big firepower.
I'm under the impression that these games may be a highpoint in the number of events and athletes. Maybe there will be more in China, but I would not be surprised to see the number of events reduced.
Ice skating? TV ratings, research and ad revenue drive it all. NBC got far more complaints about too much skiing, than about too much skating. That's the way it goes.
My experience with alpine racers is that they love their first Olympics, and if at the end of their careers, their last. They also like them of they are legit medal contenders, even more if they win a few. For the average WC skier, not a lot of love for the whole ordeal. Sounds odd, but that's the way it is.
Still love Ester's Olympics!
