Iivo Niskanen, a prominent Finnish skier, had to withdraw from the 50-kilometer race on Saturday after falling ill the previous Monday. This withdrawal came as a major disappointment as he was expected to compete at his best. Following the race, Petra Manner, host of Yleisradio's Olympic studio, publicly questioned the effectiveness of the Finnish national team's measures to prevent infections, particularly highlighting that coaches appeared at a packed ice hall in Milan without masks, based on their social media activity.

In response to these concerns, Teemu Pasanen, a coach for the Finnish team, denied that any of their coaches had traveled to Milan for the event. He clarified that while someone had been at the airport to assist the team, no coaches were actively present at the competition in Milan. Meanwhile, the team’s doctor, Maarit Valtonen, offered no further comments regarding the situation, which has raised alarms among fans and analysts about the team's safety protocols during a pandemic.

The presence of team staff without proper health precautions in a crowded venue juxtaposed with Niskanen's health issues underscores ongoing challenges faced by sports teams amid COVID-19. This incident has prompted a broader discussion on the protocols within sports organizations, especially given the potential risks they carry during international competitions. As the world continues to navigate the pandemic, the return of large sporting events brings scrutiny not only on performance but also on the health and safety measures in place to protect athletes and staff alike.