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Milano Cortina – Disappointment has struck the Swedish biathlon team at the 2026 Winter Olympics, but the source of their frustration isn’t a lack of skill – it’s their skis. Following a lackluster performance in the men’s mass start event on Friday, several team members publicly blamed improperly waxed skis for hindering their chances at a medal. The incident highlights the critical role equipment plays in elite winter sports, and the fine line between success and failure.

The Swedish team, typically among the medal contenders in biathlon, saw Sebastian Samuelsson finish 18th, Martin Ponsiluoma 21st, and Jesper Nelin 26th in a field of 30 competitors. The poor showing prompted unusually candid criticism from Samuelsson, who described his skis as “the worst I ever had” and “crap,” stating the lack of glide prevented him from competing effectively. This isn’t simply a matter of athlete complaint; ski waxing is a highly specialized field crucial for optimizing performance in biathlon and cross-country skiing.

The Science of Ski Waxing

Achieving the right wax application is a delicate balance, dependent on snow conditions, temperature, and altitude. A properly waxed ski allows athletes to maximize glide, essentially “flying” around the course. Conversely, incorrect waxing can feel like skiing through treacle, significantly slowing down even the most skilled competitors. Different waxes are formulated for wet or dry snow, and their effectiveness can be dramatically impacted by temperature fluctuations. A wax that performs optimally in sub-freezing temperatures can grow sticky and sluggish-acting if the temperature rises, as reportedly happened during Friday’s race.

In stark contrast to the Swedish team’s struggles, Norway’s biathletes experienced success, with Johannes Dale-Skjevdal winning gold and Sturla Holm Lægreid securing silver. Dale-Skjevdal notably hit all 20 of his shots during the race – a first for his career. France also enjoyed a strong showing, with Quentin Fillon Maillet taking home the bronze medal, further emphasizing the importance of effective ski preparation. Reuters reports that the Norwegian team’s success was attributed to their precise wax application.

The Swedish team’s wax technicians immediately apologized to the athletes at the finish line, acknowledging their misjudgment. Despite their frustration, the biathletes were quick to accept the apology. “You just have to laugh at it,” Ponsiluoma said, adding that with better skis, it would have felt like needing “25 hits” to beat Dale-Skjevdal. Ponsiluoma, a silver medalist in Beijing, was referencing the number of successful shots needed to overcome the disadvantage caused by the poor ski performance, noting there were only 20 targets available.

A Single Victory at Milano Cortina

While the waxing issues plagued their performance in the mass start, Ponsiluoma did secure a gold medal in the men’s pursuit, marking Sweden’s only biathlon victory at the Milano Cortina Games. The Swedish team has won three medals in biathlon at the 2026 Olympics. Jesper Nelin, who finished 26th, acknowledged that these issues can happen to any nation and expressed confidence in the team’s waxing staff, stating they were simply “not going well right now.” The Straits Times detailed the team’s reaction and the overall context of their performance.

The incident serves as a reminder of the complex interplay between athlete preparation, equipment, and environmental factors in elite sports. While biathletes train rigorously to hone their shooting and skiing skills, their success is also heavily reliant on the expertise of their support staff and the ability to adapt to changing conditions.

Looking ahead, the Swedish biathlon team will undoubtedly analyze the factors that contributed to their waxing issues and operate to prevent similar problems in future competitions. The focus will be on refining their wax selection process and ensuring better communication between athletes and technicians to optimize equipment performance.

What are your thoughts on the impact of equipment on athletic performance? Share your opinions in the comments below, and don’t forget to share this article with fellow sports enthusiasts!

Williamstown, Kentucky – Modern hymn writers Keith and Kristyn Getty are set to perform an acoustic concert at the Answers Homeschool Experience, taking place May 14–16, 2026, at the Ark Encounter. The addition of the acclaimed musical duo promises to elevate this year’s event, which organizers describe as more than just a homeschool conference – it’s a family experience focused on faith and education.

The Answers Homeschool Experience aims to equip families with resources and encouragement for navigating education from a Christian worldview. This year’s theme, “Training for Eternity: Fight the Decent Fight, Finish the Race!”, underscores the event’s commitment to fostering a lasting godly legacy. Attendees will have the opportunity to hear from a diverse lineup of speakers, including Heidi St. John, E.Z. And Rachel Zwayne, Costi and Christyne Hinn, and brothers David and Jason Benham.

Beyond the concert and speaker sessions, the event will feature hands-on workshops led by educators from Answers in Genesis (AiG), tours of the Ark Encounter and Creation Museum, and access to a vetted vendor hall. Visitors will also be among the first to experience the new Radiance exhibit at the Creation Museum, as well as the planned opening of the Ark Encounter’s new museum café and Welcome Center this spring, according to Ken Ham, the event’s organizer.

The inclusion of Keith & Kristyn Getty builds on their existing relationship with the Ark Encounter. The duo previously performed “An Irish Christmas” at the Ark Encounter on December 5, 2024, alongside the Cedarville University musical team, Jubilate, as reported by Cedarville University. They are also scheduled to return for another “An Irish Christmas” performance in 2025, featuring new and classic Christmas carols performed in their signature Irish style. Details about the 2024 performance are available on the Ark Encounter blog.

Answers Homeschool Experience: A Family-Focused Event

The Answers Homeschool Experience isn’t solely focused on academic instruction. Logos Theater will also be present, offering a drama in which children can participate. The event is designed to provide apologetics, encouragement, fellowship, and family fun, attracting many returning families each year. Admission to both the Ark Encounter and Creation Museum, along with parking, is included with registration.

Sponsors for the event include BJU Press Homeschool, Christian Community Credit Union, Heritage Defense, Herzog Foundation, and Master Books Curriculum. These organizations are helping to make the event accessible to families seeking faith-based educational resources.

Getty’s Wider Performance Schedule

Although the May 2026 concert is a new addition to the Answers Homeschool Experience, Keith & Kristyn Getty maintain an active performance schedule. Bandsintown lists a previous performance at the Ark Encounter on December 5, 2024, indicating a growing partnership between the artists and the venue.

Registration for the Answers Homeschool Experience is now open, and families are encouraged to secure their spots early. The event promises a unique blend of education, worship, and family entertainment, all within the immersive setting of the Ark Encounter and Creation Museum. The focus on equipping families to “fight the good fight” and maintain a strong faith underscores the event’s core mission.

As the event draws closer, further details regarding workshops, speaker schedules, and logistical information will be released. Families interested in attending are encouraged to stay updated through the Answers in Genesis website and social media channels.