Commentary: The bubble of Iivo and Kerttu Niskanen has burst
The Finnish skiing team had a disappointing outing at the Milan-Cortina Olympics, with only a bronze medal and several athletes hampered by health issues.
The Finnish skiing team has faced significant challenges at the Milan-Cortina Olympics, marked by health issues and underperformance. The event was anticipated as a showcase for the country's golden generation of skiers, including Iivo and Kerttu Niskanen, but instead resulted in only one bronze medal from the women's relay. Krista Pärmäkoski entered the competition while still recovering from a previous COVID-19 infection, which severely impacted her performance throughout the events. Ultimately, she finished 21st, trailing the winner by a staggering 17 minutes, reflecting the struggles of the entire team.
Pärmäkoski's decision to return home early underscores the gravity of the situation for Finnish skiing. Her initial participation in key events was heavily compromised, prompting her to offer her services as a substitute for the 50-kilometer race only after a few days off. Such a scenario highlights not only the physical toll on athletes competing at high levels under compromised health but also raises questions about the overall health management and preparation of the Finnish team prior to and during the Olympics.
This disappointing performance raises concerns about the future of Finnish skiing. While the team had hoped to capitalize on their past successes, the current reality calls into question the sustainability of their competitive edge, especially concerning the health of their athletes. It appears that the pressures of international competition coupled with personal health challenges are dismantling the once-promising prospects for thisgolden generation of Finnish skiers, leaving fans and commentators alike eager to see how the team will regroup moving forward.