The final weekend of the cross-country skiing World Cup season is taking place at Lake Placid, USA. Due to recent US military actions in Iran and internal unrest within the country, some elite skiers are feeling uncomfortable about traveling to the USA. Jonna Sundling, a multiple-time championship winner from Sweden, shared her concerns with SVT, revealing that she is apprehensive about competing in the USA, saying she approaches the trip with 'conflicted feelings' and is trying to focus on the sport itself while being wary of the situation.

Johanna Hagström echoed Sundling's sentiments, stating that the current world events lead her to contemplate safety. However, she has faith in the Swedish national team and the World Cup organizers, who assure them about safety measures in place. The skiers are trying to balance their competitive spirit and the realities of the current international climate, which can potentially impact their focus and performance during the events.

The skiing events in Lake Placid include a 10-kilometer time trial on Friday, sprints on Saturday, and a 20-kilometer mass start on Sunday. Additionally, US skiing star Jessie Diggins will conclude her career in Lake Placid, adding emotional weight to the events. The upcoming competitions will not only showcase athletic prowess but also bring forward the broader discussions regarding geopolitical issues affecting sports and athlete sentiments.