Finnish cross-country skier Iivo Niskanen, 34, faced a challenging race at the Olympics in Italy, feeling a lack of motivation during the 10-kilometer freestyle segment. After contemplating dropping out early in the race, he decided to continue thanks to support from his teammates, particularly mentioning his good pace with Niko Anttila. Niskanen's struggles were evident as he lagged behind the leaders, reportedly dealing with grip issues that hampered his performance.

Niskanen's experience highlights the challenges athletes can face during high-stakes competitions, especially when battling not just physical hurdles but also mental fatigue. Despite his achievements in the past, including a bronze medal in a combined event at the previous Olympics in China, this year's competition proved to be particularly tough. The 10-kilometer event was marked by his reflection on motivation and the mental aspects of the sport.

With concerns about his performance and the state of his skiing, Niskanen’s experience may resonate with other athletes coping with pressures at the elite level. As he prepares for the next events, the focus will be on how he can recapture his competitive spirit and address the technical challenges he faced during this race.