Feb 19 • 09:10 UTC 🇫🇮 Finland Ilta-Sanomat

Swedes caught in the act at the Olympics - this is how they explain it

Swedish ski team faced scrutiny at the Olympics after violating rules during a pre-race practice, resulting in a warning from the International Ski Federation.

During the Olympics, the Swedish ski team attracted attention for their activities prior to the cross-country skiing team sprint event. In the morning, the team's support staff was seen testing skis on the track when an official from the International Ski Federation (FIS) arrived and expressed dissatisfaction with their conduct. According to reports, the FIS representative was concerned because the Swedish team had ascended a ridge at the finish area and then turned back, which is prohibited. The concern arises from safety reasons, as people coming from above can pose a risk.

Anders Byström, the manager of the Swedish team, explained that the rule against turning back after reaching the ridge was reiterated in a meeting with team leaders the previous day. Some of the wax technicians on the team evidently overlooked this regulation, leading to their ascent and subsequent descent which triggered the FIS's warning. Byström confirmed that the warning was merely verbal at this time, suggesting that the team is not facing severe repercussions.

This incident has sparked discussions about adherence to rules and the implications of safety measures in Olympic sports. While the Swedish team seems to have escaped major penalties, any further infractions could lead to stricter consequences given the heightened scrutiny at international competitions like the Olympics. The situation highlights the importance of compliance with established protocols, particularly in high-stakes sporting events.

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