Winter Olympians Maintain Strict Health Precautions Despite Lifted Restrictions
Despite the official lifting of COVID-19 restrictions, some Winter Olympic athletes are implementing significant personal health precautions to safeguard their performance.
This proactive approach is particularly evident among certain cross-country skiing teams, who are taking extensive measures to prevent illness during their critical competitions.
Cross-Country Skiers Prioritize Health with Strict Protocols
Jessie Diggins, a prominent athlete on the U.S. women's cross-country ski team, confirmed that team members are wearing masks indoors and maintaining strict isolation. This includes isolating from family members to minimize any potential exposure.
The rationale behind these stringent measures is the sport's inherent susceptibility to respiratory viruses. Given the critical nature of the competitions, preventing illness is paramount for athletes' performance and medal aspirations.
Private Hotels Offer Controlled Environments
To further mitigate risk, several cross-country teams, including those from the U.S. and some Scandinavian nations, have chosen to rent private hotels. This strategy allows them to bypass the crowded Olympic village cafeterias and exert greater control over access, significantly reducing their exposure to potential infections.
However, it is important to note that not all national teams possess the financial capability to arrange such independent housing.
Finnish Hockey Team's Norovirus Outbreak Highlights Risks
In a stark contrast, the Finnish women's hockey team faced a norovirus outbreak just prior to the Olympics. This unfortunate incident led to the postponement of their crucial game against Canada and occurred after the team participated in a karaoke event.
The outbreak drew significant criticism, especially when juxtaposed with the rigorous isolation observed by Finnish cross-country skiers. For instance, Iivo Niskanen maintained strict distance from friends and family, prioritizing his health for the upcoming races.