Kerttu Niskanen, a seasoned Finnish cross-country skier, has had a challenging streak in major competitions, especially her repeated fourth-place finishes, which she describes as the worst possible outcome in elite sports. During a recent 10+10 kilometer combined race, Niskanen finished fifth, a placement she reflects on as one she would have preferred to improve upon, particularly focusing on not wanting to lose to her Swiss competitor, Nadja Kälin. Although aiming for a podium finish, Niskanen has yet to secure medals in this specific race format despite numerous high placements in other events.

Niskanen's illustrious athletic career includes a total of five fourth-place finishes at the World Championships and the Olympics across individual races and relays. While she noted that the desire to land on the podium is always there, the absence of medals in this race format contributes to her frustration. Her mindset was focused on competing for a medal, highlighting the mental challenges elite athletes face, especially when performing in high-stakes environments like the Olympics or World Championships, where every placement carries significant weight.

Niskanen recalled her past achievements, including a third-place finish at the World Cup back in 2014, which remains a highlight in her career. As she reflects on her recent performance and the dynamics of the race, she voiced her preference for starting from the edges of the course rather than the middle, indicating her strategic inclinations as she prepares for further competitions.