Karoline Simpson-Larsen experienced a disappointing start to her Olympic journey when a crash involving American skier Jessica Diggins led to her falling behind in the race. After only seven minutes into the first lap, the incident left Simpson-Larsen frustrated and unable to advance quickly through the course. Despite the setback, she showed resilience and understanding that such mishaps are part of competitive sports.

Finishing 13th and over three minutes behind the dominant winner Frida Karlsson, who led the race, Simpson-Larsen expressed her discontent with the circumstances of her Olympic debut. The race was marked by notable performances, with Ebba Andersson securing a silver medal and Heidi Weng earning a bronze, showcasing a strong presence for Norway in the event. Simpson-Larsen's strong season leading up to the Games included two World Cup victories, setting high expectations for her.

Though disappointed by her performance, she recognized that accidents occur in the heat of competition and did not place blame on Diggins, who was also affected by the circumstances. Simpson-Larsen's experience highlights the unpredictability of sports, particularly on significant platforms like the Olympics, and her determination to overcome this obstacle will be crucial as she continues her career in skiing.