Federico Pellegrino, the celebrated Italian skier who recently led Italy to bronze in the relay and sprint relay at the home Olympics, announced that he is entering his final season before becoming a spectator of a sport he wishes to reform. Pellegrino expressed deep concerns over the current state of competitive cross-country skiing, emphasizing the dominance of Norwegian male skiers on the World Cup podiums, which he believes undermines the sport's appeal beyond Scandinavia.

Critiquing the International Ski Federation (FIS), Pellegrino argued that significant changes are necessary if the sport intends to retain and grow its audience. Among his propositions, he suggests lowering the number of competitors allowed from each country in races and challenging the current national quota system that favors the host nation's participation. Pellegrino's perspective comes from personal experience, as his long and successful career has granted him insight into the barriers facing emerging nations and athletes in skiing.

In contrast, Michal Lamplot, head of cross-country skiing for FIS, disagrees with Pellegrino's assertions, noting the ongoing discussions surrounding this controversial topic. This back-and-forth highlights a critical juncture for the sport as it navigates the issue of inclusivity versus the dominant performance culture, ultimately raising questions about its future and the need for reform to engage a broader audience.