Iivo Niskanen, a seasoned Finnish skier, aimed for his fourth Olympic gold medal during the 50km race at the Milano-Cortina Olympics. However, the race turned into a significant disappointment for him when he had to withdraw due to lung problems, leading him to tears. This event marks a dramatic shift for Niskanen, who had dedicated the last four years to prepare for this moment, hoping to cement his legacy as an elite athlete.

Before the race, Niskanen was regarded with mixed expectations; while some analysts considered him a potential medal contender, doubts persisted about his physical readiness. Iltalehti's ski expert, Pirjo Muranen, had previously suggested that had Niskanen maintained consistent podium finishes in the lead-up, he could have been seen as a favorite for gold, rather than merely a medal hopeful. These pre-race assessments highlight the uncertainty surrounding Niskanen's form leading into the Olympics, underscored by revelations of health issues in the days preceding the event.

The implications of Niskanen's performance extend beyond personal disappointment; they represent a larger narrative about the pressures faced by athletes at the Olympic level. As the 34-year-old athlete contemplates his future, questions linger about what could have been had he remained injury-free. The emotional toll of such a setback is profound, not only for Niskanen but also for Finnish skiing fans who had high hopes for his success in this pivotal competition.