[OLYMPICS] Watch as Cross-Country Skier Throws Away 44-Second Advantage by Taking Wrong Turn

Norway’s Jarl Magnus Riiber, four-time world champion and favorite to take gold, went into the cross-country part of the combined event with a commanding 44-sec advantage. However, a wrong turn at the end of his first lap sent him the wrong way allowing his competitors to catch up. He finished in eighth place.

The 24-year-old was only released from isolation on Monday, February 14, having tested positive for covid. He then achieved the highest and longest ski jump of the event, 142 meters, putting himself in prime position for the cross-country ski part of the event.

“It’s a silly mistake. It’s not fun to show the world that I may be wasted a gold medal. I had been locked inside for two weeks, not breathing fresh air. My body is not working. Normally, I’m one of the better skiers and today I was just bad.”

– Jarl Magnus Riiber

Joergen Graabak and Jens Luraas Oftebro claimed gold and silver medals, while Japan’s Watabe won bronze.