The Finnish ski team is currently dealing with health issues, leading to significant changes in their participation in the upcoming women's 50-kilometer race scheduled for Sunday. Reports indicate that illness has affected more than one athlete, resulting in only three women, Kerttu Niskanen, Johanna Matintalo, and Krista Pärmäkoski—who has been called back into the competition—being on the roster. This is a concerning development for the team as they navigate these challenges at a crucial time.

Ville Oksanen, the coach of the Finnish ski team, has chosen not to divulge specific details about which athletes are unwell, citing the privacy of health information. He emphasizes that the health and safety of the athletes are paramount, and that they are following protocols to minimize the risk of further illness spreading within the team. The athletes who are sick have been isolated from their teammates in the Finnish team hotel, reflecting a precautionary approach to prevent more cases from emerging.

Despite the situation, Oksanen reassures that there is no immediate risk of further contagion. He claims that the nature of the illness does not resemble that of a norovirus, which is known for its high transmissibility. Other teams have reported similar issues, and Oksanen's comments suggest a collective effort across the board to manage health risks effectively. The team's ability to compete amid these challenges could influence their performance and morale moving forward in the competition, and the impact of these illnesses will be closely watched as the races unfold.