This winter has been tumultuous for Norwegian cross-country skier Kristine Stavås Skistad, who has found herself embroiled in various controversies. The issues began at the opening race in Beitostølen, where she won a sprint but received a yellow card for an infringement. Determined to start fresh at the World Cup, Skistad planned to get another yellow card in a subsequent distance race but instead encountered a direct red card for using a skating technique, culminating in her disqualification from the race. This incident added to her woes, as the yellow card carried over to the World Cup season.

As the season progressed, Skistad continued to face challenges, notably receiving her second yellow card right before Christmas during a World Cup sprint in Davos. Each disciplinary action has not only affected her race outcomes but also raised questions about her conduct and the perception of her behavior within the skiing community. Despite these setbacks, there remains an expectation for her to perform well as her competitors, including Sweden's Frida Karlsson, prepare for upcoming challenges.

On the day of the article's publication, followers of the sport were eager to see how Skistad would handle the pressure as she participated in the sprint event, with prologue and quarterfinals scheduled. The atmosphere within the skiing community has become charged with discussions surrounding her reputation, particularly as some athletes, like Maja Dahlqvist, reflect on her portrayal as a 'drama queen,' highlighting the psychological pressures athletes face amidst high-stakes competition.