Nordic Combined-Watabe savours sixth and final Olympics as Japanese veteran prepares to bow out

The normal hill/10km competition, held on a crisp February Wednesday, saw Watabe cross the finish line in 11th place, one minute and 52 seconds behind the triumphant Norwegian Jens Luraas Oftebro. For an athlete with four Olympic medals to his name, an 11th-place finish might typically sting, yet Watabe’s reflections were tinged with a profound sense of gratitude and enjoyment. "It’s amazing," Watabe told Reuters shortly after the event, his voice calm amidst the post-race bustle. "My hope was to get some medal here but it’s okay. I was enjoying this really nice atmosphere and my sixth Olympics." This sentiment, focusing on the experience rather than solely the outcome, has become a hallmark of Watabe’s distinguished career, offering a unique perspective on elite athletic longevity.

Nordic combined, often hailed as the most demanding of winter sports, seamlessly blends the explosive power and precision of ski jumping with the brutal endurance of cross-country skiing. Athletes first launch themselves from a towering ramp, aiming for distance and style points, which then translate into a time handicap for the subsequent cross-country pursuit race. Watabe, throughout his career, has consistently demonstrated mastery in both disciplines, a rare feat that requires an exceptional blend of agility, strength, and strategic acumen. On Wednesday, while his jump from the normal hill placed him within striking distance, the relentless pace of the 10km cross-country course, notoriously challenging even for younger competitors, ultimately saw him cede ground to the sport’s rising stars and established powerhouses like Oftebro, who executed a flawless race to claim gold.

For Watabe, however, the allure of the sport has always transcended the mere pursuit of podium finishes. Approaching the end of a competitive career that began at the turn of the millennium, the 37-year-old Japanese veteran articulated a philosophy deeply rooted in curiosity and intrinsic enjoyment. "I just keep going, keep going," he explained, his gaze reflecting years of introspection. "I have high motivation for exploring my sport and the human body. It was fun to live in this sport and the sports world." This introspective approach – a continuous quest to understand the nuances of technique, the limits of physical endurance, and the mental fortitude required – has been the fuel for his remarkable journey. In a sporting landscape often dominated by intense pressure for results and endorsements, Watabe’s motivation stands out as a testament to the pure, unadulterated joy of athletic endeavor and self-discovery. His career represents a profound engagement with the mechanics of performance, viewing each competition not just as a battle against rivals, but as an experiment in human potential.

Watabe’s legacy is, of course, punctuated by significant triumphs. He stands as one of Japan’s most decorated Winter Olympians, with a collection of four medals across three consecutive Games. His Olympic journey began with two consecutive normal hill silver medals: first at the 2014 Sochi Olympics, where he narrowly missed gold, showcasing his emerging dominance, and then again at the 2018 Pyeongchang Olympics, solidifying his status as one of the sport’s consistent contenders. The crowning glory of his Olympic medal haul came more recently at the 2022 Beijing Olympics, where he secured an individual bronze in the large hill/10km event, demonstrating his versatility across different jump sizes, and another bronze as part of the formidable Japanese team. These medals are not merely trinkets but symbols of resilience, meticulous preparation, and the ability to perform under immense pressure on the world’s biggest stage. Beyond the Olympics, Watabe has also been a consistent force on the World Cup circuit, securing numerous individual victories and often contending for the coveted overall crystal globe, further cementing his place among the sport’s all-time greats.

Competing in six Winter Olympics is an extraordinary feat in any sport, but especially so in Nordic combined, which demands peak physical condition across two vastly different disciplines. The cumulative toll of high-impact ski jumping and gruelling cross-country races often leads to earlier retirements for many athletes. Watabe’s ability to maintain an elite level for so long speaks volumes about his exceptional physical conditioning, injury prevention strategies, and, perhaps most crucially, his unwavering mental resilience. He has navigated rule changes, equipment innovations, and the rise of successive generations of talent, always finding ways to adapt and remain competitive. His longevity places him in an exclusive club of winter sports athletes who have defied the typical career arcs, such as legendary Japanese ski jumper Noriaki Kasai, who competed in an astonishing eight Winter Olympics. Watabe’s career serves as an inspiration, demonstrating that a deep-seated passion, coupled with a disciplined approach to training and recovery, can extend an athlete’s prime far beyond conventional expectations.

Japan has a rich history in winter sports, particularly in ski jumping and Nordic combined, producing numerous Olympic and World Championship medallists. Akito Watabe has not only upheld this proud tradition but has also elevated it, serving as a beacon for aspiring young athletes in a nation that reveres sporting excellence and dedication. His calm demeanor and consistent performance have made him a beloved figure, embodying the spirit of perseverance and sportsmanship. As he prepares for his final competitive Olympic event, the large hill competition on Tuesday, there will undoubtedly be an emotional undertone, not just for Watabe himself, but for his legion of fans and the entire Nordic combined community. While a medal might be an ambitious target, his participation alone is a celebration of a magnificent career, and his performance will be watched with immense respect and admiration.

Following the conclusion of his sixth Winter Olympics here in Tesero, Watabe has confirmed that the Milano Cortina 2026 Games will indeed mark the final chapter of his illustrious competitive career. He plans to complete the current season by participating in the last World Cup events in Lahti, Finland, and Oslo, Norway. These final appearances will provide an opportunity for fans to bid farewell to an athlete who has graced the sport for nearly two decades, leaving an indelible mark on its history. "Then I quit my sports career," he stated simply, articulating a transition that many elite athletes find challenging but one he seems to approach with characteristic calm. "I want to take time with my family and have some holidays." The sacrifices inherent in an elite sporting career are immense, often requiring athletes to spend significant time away from loved ones. Watabe’s desire to reconnect with his family and enjoy a well-deserved break underscores the human element behind the superhuman feats.

Retirement from competitive Nordic combined, however, does not signify a complete departure from the world of skiing. Watabe’s profound connection to the mountains and the act of skiing itself will endure. He revealed plans to return to his roots, embracing the joys of winter sports on his own terms back in Japan. "My hobby is backcountry skiing, backcountry telemark skiing," he shared, a hint of excitement in his voice. "I’m sure I will enjoy the spring snow in Japan." This choice reflects a deeper, more personal relationship with skiing, one free from the rigorous demands of competition. Backcountry and telemark skiing offer a different kind of challenge and freedom, allowing him to explore the pristine Japanese mountains, connect with nature, and continue a lifelong passion, albeit without the pressure of a stopwatch or judges’ scores. It’s a fitting end to a career driven by curiosity and enjoyment, allowing Akito Watabe to continue his exploration of sport and the human body in a new, unburdened chapter of his life. His legacy will resonate far beyond the podiums, inspiring generations to come with his remarkable journey of dedication, passion, and an enduring love for the sport.