Estonia's Olympic Hopes Threatened by Pre-Games Injuries and Illness
Key Estonian athletes, including ski jumper Artti Aigro and cross-country skier Mariel Merlii Pulles, are confronting significant health setbacks from a thumb injury and severe flu just weeks before the Milano Cortina Olympics, casting uncertainty over their performance potential.
- —Cross-country skier Mariel Merlii Pulles has struggled in the current season, failing to advance past qualifications in any event and experiencing a significant setback due to a severe flu infection during the Tour de Ski.
- —Ski jumper Artti Aigro suffered a thumb injury in a fall at the end of the year, jeopardizing his participation in key events at the upcoming Olympics, including the normal hill and large hill competitions.
- —Cross-country skiers Keidy and Kaidy Kaasiku have recovered from a viral illness that impacted their Olympic preparation, with their coach expressing cautious optimism as they gradually increase speed and volume in training.
- —Despite setbacks, Pulles aims to surpass her previous Olympic performance, while Aigro is determined to compete and is fighting for a chance to participate in the Milano Cortina Olympics.
- —The Kaasiku sisters are continuing their preparation in Estonia and plan to travel to Italy at the last minute, with Keidy noting improvements in each start and Kaidy stating their form is on the rise after a January illness.
Recap
A pattern of unrelated but simultaneous health issues among key national athletes highlights a critical vulnerability for Estonia's Olympic team. The timing of these setbacks—a severe flu, a debilitating thumb injury, and a viral infection—is the crucial factor, directly impacting peak performance conditioning. While the athletes' resolve is a notable narrative, the underlying reality is a significant disruption to preparation that elevates the risk of underperformance at the Milano Cortina games.