Marko Vapa, known for his unusual methods, coached the Finnish orienteering national team from the summer of 2005 until his dismissal in early 2006. Among his recommendations that surprised athletes were training in sunny weather and the use of mud for preventing cramps. His ideas generated significant confusion and skepticism, leading many to dismiss them as eccentric at best.

Vapa's time with the team was short-lived, as he was removed from his position within six months due to the controversial nature of his coaching philosophy. He later gained media attention as a candidate in parliamentary elections, where he was associated with conspiracy theories and faced accusations of treason. Yet, his roots lie in sports as he began studying sports science at the University of Jyväskylä and had been actively involved in orienteering before taking on the main coaching role.

The story reflects a broader concern in sports about the impact of unconventional training practices and the balance between innovative approaches and established methods. Vapa's experience serves as a cautionary tale about the potential pitfalls of untested ideas in professional sports, raising questions about athlete welfare and the responsibilities of coaches.