Emil Liekari, a Finnish skier, shared his feelings of disappointment after his performance in the Olympic sprint ended in the quarter-finals, where he placed fifth in his heat and did not advance. In a mixed-zone interview with Finnish media, he reflected on his expectations and acknowledged that the outcome was not what he had hoped for, emphasizing that he was well-prepared and in good physical condition. Liekari remarked that accepting this result would feel unjust, particularly in the context of the prestigious Olympics.

During his race, Liekari attempted to maintain a leading position, aiming to be aggressive on the final climb. He noted that he felt fresh going into the last hill, suggesting that his fitness was not the issue; rather, he encountered critical slips that affected his pace, allowing competitors to surpass him towards the end. He defended his position but ultimately acknowledged that the competition was fierce, and he must respect the results.

Liekari described the track conditions as slow that day, indicating that the weather impacted all athletes uniformly. While he appreciated the conditions, he recognized that they side-lined his performance. His remarks about reporters hint at possible frustrations with the media's coverage or expectations, inviting reflection on the pressures athletes face during significant sporting events such as the Olympics.