The article offers a commentary on the recent performances in cross-country skiing at the Winter Olympics, comparing it to the repetitive nature of the movie "Groundhog Day", where the same events seem to occur day after day. The frequent playing of the Norwegian and Swedish national anthems highlights their dominance in the sport, reminiscent of previous world championships. It reflects on how the sports landscape has changed since Russian athletes were banned, as the competition has lost its edge, leading to diminished public interest.

The author argues that the leadership decisions within the skiing community have resulted in a self-inflicted wound, contributing to the lack of competition and excitement in men’s cross-country events. With Norway and Sweden dominating, the absence of thrilling rivalries has made the events less desirable for audiences and fans, who are now craving a more competitive atmosphere. The article emphasizes that while external factors like geopolitical tensions have impacted the sport, the leaders of the skiing community must also take accountability for the current state of affairs.

Moreover, the commentary critiques NRK's coverage and decisions leading up to the games, suggesting that the media outlet's strategy may have failed to adapt to the changing dynamics of the sport. The author believes that there needs to be a reevaluation of how skiing events are presented to engage a broader audience, particularly with the exclusion of Russian competitors, which has deprived the competitions of their drama. Overall, this reflection serves as a warning for sporting bodies on the importance of fostering competition to maintain public interest.