Petra Vlhová, the prominent Slovak skier, participated in her second Olympic Games but finished in 20th place in the slalom event. This was a significant moment, as she was defending her gold medal from four years earlier while also attempting a comeback after a two-year break from competitive skiing. Having initially struggled, she performed better in the second run, moving from 29th to a higher ranking, indicating a positive trend despite the challenging circumstances.

Her coach, Karol Král, highlighted that Vlhová improved the fluidity of her skiing in the second run rather than her technical prowess, noting the advantages of starting first on a smooth course. Additionally, Eurosport commentator and former skier Dominik Kárník praised her humility in the face of competition and the personal challenge of returning to form, indicating that her approach is not only about racing but also about mental resilience.

Adam Žampa, a fellow Slovak skier and brother of Olympic competitor Andreas Žampa, echoed Vlhová's sentiments about the mental aspects of the sport. The reactions to her performance suggest that while she did not achieve the podium finish she aimed for, there are expectations and hopes for her return to elite status in the future, based on her perseverance and significant improvements during the event.