Finnish skier Niilo Moilanen faced a major setback at the Olympic sprint, finishing in 34th place and failing to qualify for the next round. This result was significantly below expectations, especially since Moilanen had successfully progressed through World Cup qualifiers earlier that season. His struggles during the competition can be attributed to a series of health issues he faced over the winter, which left him with insufficient preparation time for the Olympics.

During this season, Moilanen dealt with several health challenges, including a severe stomach illness caused by yersinia bacteria, and also experienced a fever. His difficulties continued into January after the World Cup in Goms, where he developed joint issues that necessitated a rapid return to Finland for medical evaluation. Despite these setbacks, Moilanen remained committed to his training, stating that he had given his all every day and never considered giving up.

In light of these challenges, Moilanen reassured fans that, despite the disappointing results at the Olympics, his health is now in good standing. He credited the team at Kys with helping him return to training quickly, although he acknowledged that the time frame for his preparation ultimately did not suffice. This experience serves as a reminder of the physical and mental challenges athletes face, particularly when injuries and health issues intervene during crucial competitive moments.