The Finnish Olympic delegation is set to implement stringent health measures for the upcoming Paris 2024 Games, including the mandatory use of face masks during flights to France and while traveling locally in Paris, according to Maarit Valtonen, the chief doctor for the Finnish team.
In a recent interview with USU, a prominent Finnish regional news agency, Valtonen shared insights into these new protocols. She explained that although mask-wearing was considered during the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics, it was not adopted at the time due to limited practice and potential concerns it might raise among others.
Valtonen pointed out that many Finnish athletes contracted infections in PyeongChang, either from Finland or while traveling. "We could have minimized these risks with proper mask use," she stated.
In contrast, during the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics, the Finnish delegation experienced some flu cases, but effective isolation measures and mask usage prevented any spread of these infections.
Highlighting the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on health practices, Valtonen emphasized a shift in how national medical teams cooperate. "COVID-19 has changed the landscape of medical collaboration among countries. Our primary focus is on athlete health, which transcends competition," she said.
Valtonen, a veteran in sports medicine, stressed the importance of diagnosing viruses accurately for athletes. "Unlike for the general public, viruses can have significant implications for athletes, including potential heart infections. Therefore, in some cases, we must determine whether an athlete is fit to compete," she added.
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