An unexpected postponement. While it was due to launch its 2026 Winter Olympics this Thursday at 9:10 p.m. against Canada, the Finnish women’s ice hockey team obtained the postponement of the game. The cause: an epidemic of norovirus, a pathogen responsible for gastroenteritis, declared in several players.
The organization of the Milan-Cortina Olympic Games communicated at midday, announcing the postponement of the meeting to next Thursday, February 12. According to information from L’Équipe, 14 of the 23 players are currently ill, preventing the bronze medalist team at the last World Championships from defending their chances.
An epidemic spread in less than 24 hours
“This decision was taken after consultation with health professionals following the identification of cases of norovirus within the Finnish team,” explains the organizing committee. “It was taken collectively and in accordance with established health and safety principles, with the health and well-being of players, team staff, officials and all tournament participants being the top priority. »
The virus spread like wildfire, since the first four sick players, declared yesterday, infected their partners in less than 24 hours, forcing the Finnish staff to cancel training scheduled for Wednesday.
The most assiduous ice hockey followers will therefore have to wait exactly one week to see this promising clash between Finland and Canada, defending champion and favorite for its own succession, take place.
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