During a cross-country skiing relay race that lasted exactly 36:02 minutes, Swedish skier Ebba Andersson experienced a dramatic mishap as she was descending a slope and unexpectedly fell, performing a somersault. In the fall, her right ski detached, continuing down the track on its own, while the binding remained attached only to her boot. In a remarkable display, Andersson chased after her ski, assessed the situation upon realizing she couldn't utilize it anymore, and then ran down the trail on one ski with the other in her hand, waiting for assistance for nearly a minute.

A staff member, who also took a tumble while rushing to assist Andersson, finally arrived with a new ski that enabled her to resume her primary duty in the race: cross-country skiing, rather than running alongside the track. At this point, her teammate Frida Karlsson, who had been waiting at the finish line, expressed her frustration, as she later experienced unwellness due to the strain of the incident, indicating the pressure and mental toll that race situations can impose on athletes.

This incident highlights both the unpredictability of competitive skiing and the resilience of athletes like Andersson, who demonstrated quick thinking and determination in the face of unexpected obstacles. Such moments not only add drama to the sport but also underscore the importance of teamwork and support in high-stakes competitions, raising questions about safety measures in skiing events and how equipment can impact performance and outcomes.