Johannes Klæbo of Norway showcased his exceptional skiing skill by dominating the skiathlon competition, finishing in a remarkable time of 46 minutes and 11 seconds. From the beginning, a group of four Norwegian skiers led the pack, but strategies changed significantly after the ski swap, as French skiers began to emerge in the contest for the top positions. Despite facing a setback with a fall from Norway's Harald Amundsen, who was leading midway, Klæbo maintained his focus and decisively broke away in the final climbs to secure his victory.

In the final stretch, a tight race saw the top five skiers battling for position, with Klæbo's impressive performance allowing him to create a gap and take the gold. Matiss Deslogs from France glided in just two seconds behind, earning the silver medal, while Klæbo's compatriot, Martin Njengets, secured the bronze merely 0.1 seconds later. This victory was particularly significant for Klæbo, marking his first win in the skiathlon although he has accrued a total of six Olympic gold medals, along with additional silver and bronze medals in other competitions, solidifying his status as a skiing legend.

Vīgants, another notable competitor, initially faced challenges but improved his standing in the later stages of the race, finishing strong against competition from Finnish skier Ristomati Haikola. Despite starting in the fifth ten and struggling during the ski change, Vīgants strategically climbed up the rankings to achieve a commendable finish, paralleling his past Olympic performance in Beijing four years prior. His resilience and determination reflect the competitive spirit of the event, highlighting the dramatic shifts that can occur in winter sports competitions, where stamina, skill, and timing play pivotal roles.