Breaking Barriers: Alexa Brabec on her journey and the Olympic dream

At just 20 years old, Alexa Brabec has already made a name for herself as one of the rising stars in women’s Nordic Combined. Hailing from Steamboat Springs, Colorado, Alexa has been part of the sport’s evolution from the very beginning – competing in the inaugural women’s Viessmann FIS Nordic Combined World Cup in 2020 and steadily climbing the ranks ever since. Her standout performances in the 2024–25 season, including a 4th place finish in Seefeld and a top-10 spot in the Overall World Cup, reflect not only her talent but also her determination to push the boundaries for herself and her sport.

With two Junior World Championship silver medals to her name and a powerful support system – both on the U.S. team and in her own family – Alexa continues to be a driving force in the fight for recognition and equality in Nordic Combined. We caught up with her to reflect on her journey so far and look ahead to what’s next.

You've already achieved impressive results at just 20 years old, including two Junior World Championship silver medals and a personal best in Seefeld last season. Which of your successes are you most proud of?

I think I am most proud of my 4th place at the World Championships. I was pretty surprised by my result there, but super excited since it was probably one of my best jumps and races of the season. 

You were part of the first-ever Women's World Cup in Ramsau back in 2020. Looking back, how have you seen the sport evolve since then-both competitively and in terms of visibility for women?

I think the level of competition has improved dramatically. Across the board, the level of jumping and skiing has increased. Also, more and more girls are in the fight for the podium and more girls continue to step up to the World Cup to not just participate, but to really compete. 

Training with the Norwegian national team must have been an intense and inspiring experience. What did you learn from that opportunity, and how did it shape your performance last season?

Training with the Norwegian team has been really amazing. Having moved here just after graduating from high school and thus transitioning from being more of a student-athlete to a full-time athlete while in Norway, I got to learn about all the details that go into being at the top of this sport and the importance of trusting the process. 

You and your teammates, including Annika Malacinski, are vocal advocates for gender equality in sport. What would it mean to you to see Women's Nordic Combined finally included in the Olympic Games?

It would mean so much to see Women’s Nordic Combined in the Olympics. All the girls and those around us know how hard we work for this sport so the Olympics continue to be a frustrating barrier, but being included would be more proof to those outside of the sport that we are just as dedicated and strong as anyone else at the top of their sport.  

Your younger sister Haley is also a Nordic Combined athlete. How does that dynamic influence your training, motivation, and approach to the sport?

I don’t think that having my sister in the same sport has affected my training and motivation that much. We are both very much our own people, and each wanted to go about our own lives and sport in our own ways. However, having both of us in the same sport made it more of a family affair and our parents have become super involved with the sport and community. 

With summer training in full swing, what are your goals and priorities as you prepare for the 2025-26 season?

I am going to try to continue building on what I have been working on over the past season as well as bringing some more focus to some of my weaknesses.