The Unseen Struggles of Cross-Country Skiers and Biathletes

During the Milan Cortina Olympics, viewers have been confronted with an unusual sight: athletes competing in cross-country skiing and biathlon often appear with faces covered in mucus and saliva, forming what are colloquially known as "snotcicles." This phenomenon is not merely an aesthetic issue; it is a direct consequence of the intense physical demands of these sports, which take place in cold conditions. Nathaniel Herz, a former competitive skier and journalist, explains that the body reacts to cold air by producing mucus to keep nasal passages moist. This reaction can be exacerbated by the extreme exertion athletes experience, leading to what is known as cold-induced rhinorrhea or "skier’s nose."

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Athletes like American cross-country skier Jessie Diggins have described the extreme physical challenges they face during competition. Diggins noted that she sometimes enters a "pain cave" so intense that her vision alters, reflecting the toll that these races take on competitors. The decision to wipe away mucus during a race often comes down to personal preference and the desire to maintain rhythm and concentration. Herz highlights that athletes prioritize performance over appearance, stating, “Athletes don’t want to do anything that’s going to disrupt their rhythm or cost them any time on the course.”

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The approach to managing mucus varies among athletes. For instance, French skier Hugo Lapalus is known for his distinctive "chin full of white foam," which he attributes to difficulty swallowing saliva during races. He stated, “I do not think about that. I just want to push hard and continue to ski fast.” In contrast, American skier Zanden McMullen prefers to maintain a cleaner appearance, opting to wipe his face during downhill portions of the race when he has a moment to do so. He remarked, “I like to look pretty if I can.”

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The act of wiping away mucus may also have psychological implications. Some athletes, like McMullen, feel that having a clean face improves their breathing, even if the effect is more mental than physical. “I feel like it’s hard to breathe when you’ve got—forgive my language—shit all over your face,” he explained. This highlights the nuanced relationship between physical discomfort and mental focus in high-stakes athletic environments.

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Despite the unappealing visuals, Herz argues that the presence of mucus and saliva serves as a powerful marker of the athletes' struggles and dedication. He states, “There is something to respect about athletes who are willing to look absolutely heinously gross on an international television feed in the service of an incremental performance boost.” This perspective underscores the inherent beauty in the suffering that defines cross-country skiing and biathlon, making the athletes' experiences relatable to viewers worldwide.

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