Krista Pärmäkoski, a veteran Finnish skier, has publicly shared her struggles following disappointing outcomes in the 10km classic and combined races during the Milan-Cortina Olympics. Finishing 25th in the 10km event and 20th in the combined race, Pärmäkoski was significantly off the pace, lagging over two minutes behind the leader in the former and more than four minutes in the latter, a stark contrast to her previous successes in the sport. Her disappointment stems not only from her rankings but also from an inability to maintain the necessary speed that competitive skiing demands.

In her candid assessment, Pärmäkoski mentioned her physical condition during the races, stating that her thighs felt rigid, indicating a lack of recovery and energy that is expected at such an elite level. The emotional toll of these performances was palpable, as she struggled to come to terms with the feelings of inadequacy that arose from not being able to perform at her best. Pärmäkoski highlighted that it felt as though she was competing in a separate 'bubble,' disconnected from the competitive spirit that should characterize ski racing.

The 35-year-old skier acknowledged that the challenges she faced during these Olympics were unforeseen and particularly crushing because they come in what is expected to be the final season of her career. A recent setback in December revealed that this difficult Olympic experience was compounded by injuries or health issues, leaving her career trajectory uncertain at a critical juncture. Pärmäkoski's revelations not only spotlight her personal struggles but also reflect the intense pressure and emotional stakes athletes grapple with in high-pressure competitions like the Olympics.