N. Stepanauskaitė, a 17-year-old skier from Druskininkai, started her Olympic giant slalom race with promise, ranking 59th after completing two sections of the course. However, she encountered a mistake on a challenging part of the track, which forced her to withdraw from the competition. Despite her initial optimism and even moments of technical proficiency, she ultimately struggled with her trajectory, failing to navigate the course as intended.

Reflecting on her performance, Stepanauskaitė expressed disappointment but also resilience. Her coach, Roberto Gilardi, noted that her mindset was positive throughout the race, though a tactical misjudgment cost her the chance to finish. She mentioned that even with the setback, she experienced moments of success, especially when she successfully maneuvered through the poles at one point, likening it to a display of gymnastics.

As she reached the bottom of the course, Stepanauskaitė's mother provided her with comfort, encouraging her to keep her spirits high. The young athlete acknowledged the unpredictability of sports and life, accepting that mistakes happen and that it was an important learning experience for her as she continues her athletic journey. This race marks a significant moment in her young career, highlighting both the excitement and challenges faced by athletes at the Olympic level.