Ingvild Flugstad Östberg - overall World Cup winner, Tour de Ski winner and multiple championship medalist - did not meet the health requirements in the health declaration that the Norwegian cross country team is leaning towards. Because of that, the Norwegian was removed from all competitors.

The Norwegian health declaration consists of two parts. In the first part, the rider will answer a number of questions, for example if a specific diet has been followed lately. The second part consists of a medical examination in which a doctor examines, among other things, the rider's body composition such as muscle mass and body fat.

Sweden has a similar device to ensure the well-being of the asset. Although it differs slightly.

- We have no forms that are filled in. However, we have continuous health calls that are filled in, where we probably deal with the same questions as those in their written form, I would think, says Magnus Oscarsson.

- We also have continuous contact with a dietician who has excellence. They regularly teach at group level.

The Swedish Cross Country team actively makes measurements at doctors at least once a year, sometimes twice. And if necessary several times a year.

- It all depends on what the situation looks like. This is not a static state. It is a dynamic process. Follow-ups and controls are entirely governed by how it looks. We also have regular contact at the individual level. To ensure it's balance.

The measurements are of different kinds.

- Monitoring, sampling, body composition measurements. In order to have control that it looks good.

How are the conversations going?

- They are between doctor and active. Then we also get input from other leaders who work very tightly against the active. If there is something that does not float in training. Or training response. If it's something they reacted over. Or talk to the active about something.

- They have such a close contact. It is noticed quite quickly if something is not working. If there is any problem.

The daily contact with management staff is at least as important as the medical conversations and measurements, says Magnus Oscarsson.

- In addition to the fixed points we have during the year, you have this input from both riders and leaders.

- We are confident with our method. We believe we have a good control system. Which we are safe with, and I think the active ones feel safe with it too.

There are more safety nets.

- SOK (Sweden's Olympic Committee) makes the same checks in parallel, with the top and talents. There is another control system to see that they are doing well. They also have annual health talks with their doctors. There we have a communication with them.

ARCHIVE: Östberg not to compete: "Want to be as open and honest as possible" (November 21, 2019)

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