A Challenging Day for the Finnish Team at the Men’s Double Relay
In an exhilarating yet turbulent Men’s Double Relay event, Finnish skier Joni Mäki found himself at the center of a dramatic incident as competitors rushed into the finish area. During the chaotic finale, Mäki collided with fellow skiers, notably Italy’s bronze medalist, Federico Pellegrino.
Lauri Vuorinen, a teammate, recounted the commotion that ensued, noting the intrigue among reporters over the seemingly innocuous situation. “Everyone is asking why Joni collided with Pellegrino at the finish,” he observed. “I was watching from the sidelines, and it didn’t strike me as something contentious.”
A journalist pressed Mäki for an account of the mishap. “What happened out there?” he inquired. Mäki explained, “The group was packed close to the finish line. When I approached, there was little I could do. I tried to veer away as much as possible.” He added succinctly, “Yes, someone went down, but they were back up quickly. No time for complaints.”
When asked if he had spoken to Pellegrino post-collision, Vuorinen replied with a touch of humor, stating, “We have nothing to discuss since we didn’t actually make contact.”
The event’s aftermath was marked by an unexpected twist as Pellegrino grimaced at the finish line, clearly feeling the effects of the race.
Despite the drama, the Finnish men’s team finished in 11th place, a result that left many feeling disappointed, particularly given that Finland was not considered one of the main contenders for a medal. Vuorinen expressed his discontent with his performance on the final leg, stating, “I struggled to find a good line on the first climb and fell too far behind. When you’re pushing hard and can’t find your rhythm, the gap only widens. It wasn’t my best.”
He was candid about the race’s challenges, noting, “The last ascent was especially tough. My legs didn’t have the energy they needed.” Nonetheless, Vuorinen maintained a realistic perspective on the team’s prospects. “A scenario like this was far more likely than us ending up on the podium. It’s a tough truth, but while there’s disappointment, we know this isn’t a make-or-break moment for us.”
Event Results: Men’s Double Relay
- Norway – 18:28.98
- United States – +1:37
- Italy – +3:31
- Switzerland – +4:22
- Great Britain – +7:61
- Canada – +9:71
- Austria – +10:39
- Czech Republic – +13:63
- Germany – +14:16
- Sweden – +17:69
11. Finland – +17:69
The race showcased not just the competitive spirit of the participants but also the unpredictability of cross-country skiing, reminding fans and athletes alike that in racing, anything can happen.