Sander Eitrem, who recently won gold in the 5000-meter event, faced disappointment in the 10,000-meter competition, finishing in seventh place with a time of 12:47.11. Despite initial optimism during the race, he struggled significantly in the latter stages, with commentary highlighting a 'collapse' after 6800 meters. Prior to the event, Eitrem mentioned experiencing some illness symptoms, which may have affected his performance.

The gold medal for the 10,000-meter race went to 19-year-old Metodej Jilek from the Czech Republic, who completed the distance in 12:33.43. Following in second place was Vladimir Semirunniy from Poland, a former Russian athlete, while Jorrit Bergsma from the Netherlands secured the bronze medal. Eitrem's performance contrasted sharply with his recent success, leading to heightened expectations and pressure from fans and commentators.

This unexpected outcome raises questions about Eitrem's physical health and how external factors such as pressure and illness can influence athletes' performances at critical moments, especially in the Olympic arena. This event serves as a reminder that even the most promising athletes can have off days, potentially affecting their future competitions and the competitive landscape of the sport.