Iivo Niskanen, the Finnish cross-country skier, is currently dealing with respiratory symptoms that were diagnosed on Monday. Finnish head coach Teemu Pasanen provided updates on Niskanen's condition, indicating that despite the illness, Niskanen has trained 'normally' this week while remaining isolated from the team. Pasanen expressed optimism that all preparations are being made to ensure Niskanen is fit enough to compete in the upcoming race.

Pasanen noted that Niskanen's condition has shown slight improvement day by day, and the target remains for him to ski as strongly as possible in the race. However, he also acknowledged that the situation is not optimal, and there's uncertainty regarding how the illness might impact Niskanen's performance. The decision about his participation will ultimately rest with the athlete himself after discussions with the coaching staff, reflecting the seriousness with which the team approaches athlete health and performance.

The team's doctor, Maarit Valtonen, highlighted that while they will provide guidance, the final decision will depend on Niskanen's own assessment of his condition. This perspective underscores the balance between health and competitive readiness as the team prepares for significant upcoming events, showcasing the pressures athletes face during crucial competitions, especially in adverse health circumstances.