Rasmus Stegfeldt, a 27-year-old Swedish freestyle skier, found himself in an unusual predicament during a flight to the Olympics. Amidst a crowded flight, some passengers were coughing, and having forgotten to bring a face mask, Stegfeldt decided the best course of action was to lock himself in the bathroom for a significant period of time—40 minutes, to be precise. His concern? Catching a cold or other illness before his Olympic debut, an event he deemed too critical to jeopardize with any potential sickness.

Throughout his time in the cramped space, Stegfeldt expressed feelings of guilt for those who needed to use the restroom while he occupied it for such an extended duration. However, he rationalized his decision by prioritizing his health over the convenience of others on the flight. He recounted how during the flight, he glimpsed a teammate, Walter Wallberg, wearing a mask, which had added to his anxiety about the possibility of contagion. Given the tense atmosphere of a full flight compounded by illness concerns, Stegfeldt's drastic response can be understood as both a personal and competitive necessity.

After emerging from the bathroom, Stegfeldt humorously reflected on his actions, acknowledging that while it was a bit embarrassing, he felt justified in his choice to prioritize health over decorum in such a unique and stressful situation. His story serves as a reminder of the precarity athletes often feel about their health leading up to significant competitions, especially in the context of ongoing health concerns in crowded spaces.