In a recent women's 15-kilometer normal distance race, Finnish skier Suvi Minkkinen voiced her disappointment regarding the competition format, which she labeled as 'really boring.' Despite having a relatively strong skiing speed, her performance was hindered by her shooting, where she could not achieve a perfect score. Minkkinen finished 20th overall, falling short of the medal contention that she had hoped for.

Minkkinen's comments reflect a broader concern among athletes about the dynamics of longer competition formats, where solitary skiing can lack the excitement and engagement of more intense racing scenarios. She noted that competing alone in such events makes it difficult to maintain focus and challenge oneself against others, leading to a less stimulating experience. Furthermore, she mentioned that the competition felt like it had no real intensity or 'pizzazz,' contributing to an overall sense of monotony.

The implications of Minkkinen's statements may resonate with both organizers and fans of winter sports, potentially prompting a reevaluation of competition formats to enhance the excitement and competitiveness of the events. Athletes' engagement and enthusiasm are vital for the sport's popularity, and addressing such concerns could lead to more dynamic and appealing race formats in the future.