Kristjan Ilves, competing in the large hill event at the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics, placed seventh overall after struggling to keep pace with the faster competitors. He started the race as the sixth skier, but despite a strong effort, he couldn't maintain the speed required to contend for a podium finish amid the elite group. The competition featured outstanding performances, particularly from Norwegian Jens Luraas Oftebro, who won his second gold medal of the Olympics, alongside Austria's Johannes Lamparter and Finland's Ilkka Herola on the podium.

During the race, Ilves noted that the initial pace was extremely challenging for him, and he felt it impacted his overall performance throughout the run. He expressed the thought that if he had started more conservatively, achieving fifth place might have been within reach but remained doubtful about his ability to sustain that level amidst the competition. Despite the outcome, Ilves maintained a positive outlook on his performance, highlighting that he felt he had skied well overall and noted the dynamics of the race.

The Milano Cortina event showcases the competitive landscape of winter sports, where athletes from various nations strive for excellence. Ilves's participation further emphasizes Estonia's involvement in international winter sports despite facing tough competition. His experience reflects not only his personal efforts but also the broader context of the Olympics, where elite athletes push their limits in pursuit of medals and recognition on the world stage.