Norway's ski coach, Arild Monsen, has addressed the controversy surrounding the country's adherence to waxing rules during the Olympics, revealing concerns about the process that led to two separate incidents of protest from Finland. Following a successful sprint event won by Johannes Høsflot Klæbo, Finland's Olympic Committee lodged a complaint against Norway for allegedly receiving permission to use a 'waxing roller' from the international skiing federation (FIS) without informing other nations. This has raised questions about fair play and transparency in the athletic community.

The situation escalated after the men's relay gold medal victory, when it was disclosed that a Norwegian wax technician had violated regulations by remaining on the classic course while it was closed prior to the race. In response, FIS penalized Norway by removing one team member from their testing team for the upcoming sprint event, putting additional pressure on the athletes. Monsen expressed disappointment over the outcomes, emphasizing that they had inquired about the legality of their equipment and believed they were operating within the rules.

Overall, the controversy highlights ongoing tensions in competitive skiing, particularly amid the high stakes of an Olympic setting. Monsen's remarks reflect a broader concern about the environment in which athletes operate, stressing the importance of clarity and fairness in regulations to prevent misunderstandings that could tarnish the sport's integrity. As Norway prepares for further events, the implications of these issues will be keenly observed by both fans and competitors alike.