Iivo Niskanen Ill With Influenza – World Championships Participation Uncertain

Iivo Niskanen, one of Finland’s leading cross-country skiers and top medal hopes at the World Championships, has been struck by influenza just as the major competition is about to begin. According to his manager, Miro Rousku, Niskanen developed symptoms that grew worse after a strange feeling on his return journey from Falun last Sunday evening.

Despite his strong performances in Falun – having won the 10 km classical race on Saturday and finishing ninth in the 20 km free-style race the following day – Niskanen now expects that he may miss the entire period of the major events. The Finnish Ski Federation confirmed that due to his illness he will not participate in Saturday’s combined (skiathlon) event, and he will be replaced by Remi Lindholm.

In addition, Markus Vuorela, named as an alternate for the Finnish team, is also en route to Norway after the Vasaloppet weekend. Niskanen’s main 10 km classic event is scheduled for next Tuesday, but given his current condition, his participation in the World Championships remains highly uncertain. This development represents a significant setback for the Finnish team heading into the World Championships.