In Val di Fiemme, where the Finnish skiing team is stationed, health protocols have been established requiring masks for visitors in indoor settings, including press conferences. While all media personnel adhered to this guideline, Jasmi Joensuu, a prominent Finnish athlete, appeared at a press conference without a mask, being the first and only Finnish athlete to do so. Her statement highlighted that athletes are allowed to choose whether or not to wear masks in hotel facilities designated for the team only.

Joensuu asserted her confidence in her health, claiming that she felt fit and secure in her decision to forego the mask. This choice reflects her belief that she would not endanger others since the hotel was reserved solely for the Finnish squad. Interestingly, this is not the first time Joensuu has taken this stance; she had similarly attended previous press conferences without a mask during the World Championships in Trondheim last season.

This incident raises questions about adherence to health protocols among athletes and the message it sends to the public regarding pandemic safety measures. As Joensuu has a history of good health and has not missed competitions due to illness throughout her professional career, her actions may be perceived as a personal choice rather than a trend to be followed by other athletes. The context of the ongoing pandemic continues to influence how downtime decisions, especially in sports, are scrutinized and interpreted.