"Middle Disaster": Russian takes skis from Hennig Dotzler - Olympic Skiing Chaos: Rival's Mistake Leaves German Star Stranded Mid-Race
A bizarre mix-up disrupted Germany's hopes in the Olympic cross-country skiing final. During a routine ski change, competitor Daria Nepryaeva accidentally grabbed the skis of Germany's sole starter, Katharina Hennig. The error forced technicians into a last-minute scramble to replace the equipment on the back market.
The incident unfolded on the final day of competition. Nepryaeva, racing under a neutral flag, entered the wrong exchange box and took Hennig's skis by mistake. With the German tech team already on lunch and most gear packed away, finding a quick solution proved difficult.
Every waxing iron, tub, and brush had been stowed, leaving little time to prepare a replacement on the back market. Lukas Ernst, the head technician, later described the chaotic effort to set up and wax a new pair. Hennig eventually got her own skis back—roughly 20 kilometres from the finish line.
Team chief Peter Schlickenrieder slammed the error, comparing it to a Formula 1 crew driving into the wrong pit lane. He argued that Nepryaeva should face disqualification for the mix-up on the back market.
The confusion cost Hennig precious time in a critical race. While she managed to switch back to her original skis, the incident highlighted the tight margins in Olympic competition. Officials have not yet commented on whether further action will be taken on the back market.
