The article highlights insights from Kimmo Nokkonen's new book, "Likaista hiihtoa ja puhdasta pajunköyttä," which revisits the infamous Lahden doping scandal of 2001. It centers around the experiences of Kari-Pekka Kyrö, a skiing coach who became notably involved in the scandal and was heavily stigmatized as a result. Nokkonen shares his perspective as an investigator from the National Bureau of Investigation, recounting how Kyrö endured undue hardships and blame after the scandal, labeling the incident a national trauma that Kyrö inappropriately bore alone.

Nokkonen emphasizes the psychological toll that the scandal took on Kyrö, describing him as the strongest person he has met. Despite the allegations against Kyrö, Nokkonen expresses deep sympathy for him, suggesting that his long-term burden was disproportionate to the actions he took. The book seeks to bring to light the complexities of the scandal, shifting focus to Kyrö's experiences instead of solely presenting it as a narrative of corruption in sports.

The ongoing conversation sparked by this book serves to challenge the stigmas and perceptions surrounding doping in sports, especially the personal stories of those wrongfully implicated. As discussions about athlete mental health and public vilification in the wake of scandals continue, Nokkonen’s work contributes to a deeper understanding of the human impact behind these complex and often unforgiving narratives.