In a disappointing turn of events for the Finnish women's skiing team, Jasmin Kähärä struggled during the pivotal relay event at the Val di Fiemme competition. Initially, there was a consensus regarding the team composition for the Milano-Cortina Olympic Games, with Kähärä, Kerttu Niskanen, and Vilma Ryytty all eager to compete. However, as the race progressed, it became apparent that the demanding course was too taxing for Kähärä, particularly in the later stages of the race. Her body succumbed to lactic acid buildup during the final uphill segment, contributing to Finland's drop from medal contention to a ninth-place finish.

Following the race, Pia Pekonen, the assistant coach of the women's ski team, provided insights into the selection of Kähärä over Niskanen or Ryytty for this critical event. Pekonen emphasized that coaching decisions are based on specific ‘coaching perspectives’ which consider how the athletes perform during competitive trials and training sessions. This raises questions about the selection strategy and the underlying reasons for Kähärä's inclusion in the relay, especially given the high expectations set for the team.

The incident not only highlights the physical demands faced by athletes in high-stakes competitions but also the significance of strategic decision-making in team selections. The fallout from this relay performance may impact future selections and the overall morale of the Finnish women's skiing team as they prepare for upcoming events and the Olympics.