In a disappointing turn of events for Norway, Maren Hjelmeset Kirkeeide faced a significant setback during her final shooting round in the mixed relay at the Winter Olympics. Competing alongside teams from Germany and Italy, Kirkeeide's performance fell short as she struggled with her aim, ultimately leading to two penalty rounds that severely impacted Norway's chances for a medal. The Norwegian team finished fourth, 1 minute and 37 seconds behind the leading French team.

NRK expert Ola Lunde emphasized the emotional toll this experience took on Kirkeeide, highlighting the immense pressure athletes face on such a grand stage. This event marked Kirkeeide's Olympic debut, and the stakes were high, making her nervous performance all the more heartbreaking. According to the Norwegian men's team coach, Siegfried Mazet, the moment was rife with tension, as Kirkeeide rushed her first shot and missed, triggering a cascade of panic that affected her ability to recover in the crucial final moments of competition.

Norway's fourth-place finish not only signifies a missed opportunity for a medal but also reflects the competitive nature of the event. With the French team demonstrating a commanding lead from the start, the gap to the podium was 25 seconds for bronze and over a minute for silver. The outcome serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of Olympic competition, where a single moment of pressure can alter the course of an athlete's aspirations and team outcomes.