In her debut Olympic downhill race, Finnish skier Rosa Pohjolainen finished in eighth place, significantly trailing the winner, Breezy Johnson from the USA, by 7.98 seconds. This race held particular challenges for Pohjolainen, as she lacked the pre-race training preparations typically essential for success, especially in a competitor location known for its difficulty. The conditions were exacerbated by a delay due to a serious fall by Andorran skier Cande Moreno, alongside the shadow of a notable injury sustained by famed skater Lindsey Vonn, further intensifying the atmosphere during the event.

Pohjolainen expressed that the competition was the most challenging she had ever faced due to the lack of adequate training on the new and difficult slope. Her journey to find self-confidence was arduous, as she was not just faced with the demanding demands of the race but also had to contend with the emotional weight of witnessing fellow athletes struggle with serious injuries.

Despite the many setbacks leading up to her performance, including the lack of training and the heightened stakes of the event, Pohjolainen could pull herself together at the starting line. Kalle Palander, a former skier, offered his assessment on her performance, emphasizing the unique challenges she faced, and underlined that this experience is one that cannot simply be put into words, reflecting on the unpredictability and intensity of Olympic competitions.