Professor Jari Parkkari, a sports medicine expert, critiques the operational strategies of the Finnish national ski team, highlighting the negative consequences of overprotective behavior among athletes. He points out that at least four Finnish cross-country skiers were forced to withdraw from the Olympics early due to illness, signaling potential flaws in the team's health management protocols.

Parkkari emphasizes that a significant issue lies in athletes' excessive avoidance of infections throughout the year. Many athletes go so far as to limit their exposure to social settings, such as restaurants and shops, and they often wear face masks even during training periods. This overprotection may shield them from common pathogens, ultimately weakening their immune responses and increasing the risk of falling ill during competitive events.

He warns that such a protective mindset could lead to year-round immunity issues, where the body does not develop antibodies against common viruses. The lack of these antibodies leaves athletes ill-prepared to fight off germs that they may encounter during competitions where exposure is heightened. Parkkari's insights raise significant concerns about the balance between infection prevention and maintaining a robust immune system for peak athletic performance.