Tara Geraghty-Moats © FIS

What do the recent developments in ladies’ Nordic Combined mean to you?
Tara Geraghty-Moats: Personally, it means a lot. My whole athletic career, I have gone back and forth between Ski Jumping and Cross-Country Skiing. I grew up training at my local club with a group of juniors of Nordic Combiners. In training, I did the same programme as the boys but when the time came for the competitions there was no opportunity for me because I was a girl.

I’m lucky that I had the support as a younger athlete to do both Ski Jumping, and Cross-Country, and enjoyed a lot of success in both sports. However, I hope that the next generation of girls who are talented at both Ski Jumping and Cross-Country Skiing will have Nordic Combined as an option to pursue.

What sets Nordic Combined apart from Ski Jumping and Cross-Country Skiing?
TGM: It combines the toughness of Ski Jumping and hard core mentality of Cross-Country Skiing. To be an exceptional Nordic Combiner you must be a well-rounded, incredibly versatile athlete, that not only has the nerve and focus of a jumper, but also the dedication and persistence of a Cross-Country skier.

What is your vision for the future of ladies’ Nordic Combined?
TGM: I would like to see a World Championship event for ladies’ Nordic Combined before I retire, as well as a test event for the World Cup or World Championships in the next couple of years. That would be a dream come true!