During the Women's Biathlon Relay event at the Olympics, held in France, the Swedish women's team received backlash for wearing hats on the podium while the French national anthem, La Marseillaise, was played. This practice broke an unwritten rule regarding proper etiquette during national anthems. The team won silver, following France, who secured gold, while Norway took bronze. Finland finished in seventh place.

The incident has led to a discussion among the Swedish athletes about the appropriateness of their actions. Biathlete Elvira Öberg defended the decision by explaining that they believe they can wear hats if it is not the Swedish anthem being played. This reasoning adds a layer of complexity to the etiquette surrounding the national anthem, as the team felt comfortable making this choice in the context of a different country’s anthem. Other athletes, including Norwegian Marthe Kråkstad Johansen, also chose to keep their hats on, questioning the rules around hat etiquette for female athletes during such ceremonies.

The broader implications of this incident include challenging traditional norms and discussions around gender equality in sports. The reaction from the French media and public highlights a cultural clash in expectations around national pride and ceremonial respect. As the world of sports continues to evolve, such incidents may lead to more inclusive discussions about traditions in international competitions.