Calle Halfvarsson, a Swedish cross-country skier, voiced his unease regarding the overwhelming success of the Norwegian team in recent championships. Norway has secured 18 consecutive championship gold medals, contrasting sharply with the disappointing outcome for the Swedish team, particularly highlighted by Halfvarsson's own performance at the Olympics where he finished 24th, nearly 13 minutes behind Norwegian skier Johannes Høsflot Klæbo, who claimed his 12th consecutive gold medal. This stark difference has left Halfvarsson questioning the state of the sport and what factors have contributed to this imbalance.

In an interview, when asked whether he thought doping could be a factor behind Norway's dominance, Halfvarsson dismissed the notion, yet admitted that he finds the situation odd. He reflected on how the landscape of cross-country skiing has changed significantly over the past decade, where he recalls a time where competition was much tighter, perhaps best exemplified by rival Petter Northug's performances 10 years ago. This change has led Halfvarsson to suggest that something unusual is occurring in the sport today, as he noted that despite the increasing gap in performance, no one seems to seriously question the legitimacy of Norway's achievements.

Halfvarsson's comments reflect a growing sentiment in the skiing community that while success is celebrated, the vast disparity in performance raises questions about its implications for the sport's future. It commands attention both from insiders in skiing and sports enthusiasts alike about how such dominance might influence competition, fan engagement, and even the integrity of the sport. Without solid answers, discussions surrounding this issue may continue to linger as the Olympic games unfold.