During the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, cross-country skiing star Iivo Niskanen had to withdraw from his long-awaited 50 km race due to illness, an event which he had been preparing for over several years. Despite feeling unwell, he attempted to compete but only managed to ski for around 30 minutes before stopping. In the aftermath of the race, Niskanen was visibly emotional when interviewed by Yle, reflecting on the disappointment of not being able to fulfill his goal.

Kerttu Niskanen, Iivo's sister, shared her feelings on social media, posting a picture that captured the moment of her brother's withdrawal. Accompanying the image were emojis symbolizing her heartbreak, indicating the deep emotional impact that her brother's struggles had on her. In another photo, she was seen with tears in her eyes, expressing her sorrow over Iivo's situation and conveying her empathy for him.

The emotional moment not only highlights the personal challenges faced by athletes during high-stakes competitions but also the bond of family support in tough times. As Kerttu prepares for her own 50 km women's race later that day, her focus remains partially on her brother, indicating the shared pressures and disappointments that come along with competitive sports.