Jasmi Joensuu, a Finnish skier, has garnered attention as the only athlete in the country's Olympic team who has opted not to wear a face mask during press gatherings. With the Olympic sprint event approaching, Joensuu is considered a strong medal contender after recently winning a similar sprint at the Tour de Ski. Her choice to forgo a mask, while other athletes and media representatives adhered to the recommendation, has sparked discussion about personal choice and health safety.

Joensuu emphasized her health status, stating that she feels well and with confidence in her decision, indicating that her choice was personal. The Finnish Olympic Committee has recommended that media members wear masks at press events, while for athletes, the decision to wear a mask has been left to individual discretion. Joensuu's lighthearted remarks about her choice reflect a broader conversation about mask-wearing and personal choice in the context of global health guidelines during the pandemic.

As she prepares for the sprint event on Tuesday, Joensuu's focus remains squarely on her performance. She claims to be better prepared than ever for the Olympics and perceives strong competition among female skiers vying for the medals. Her preparation and confidence highlight the mix of public interest in personal choices and the competitive pressures athletes face on the world stage as they balance health precautions with their sporting ambitions.