Daria Neprjayeva, a Russian skier competing at the Olympics, has shared her side of the story regarding her unexpected disqualification in the women’s 50km race. Initially performing well until the 21.6 km mark, she made a ski change but mistakenly took the skis belonging to German skier Katharina Hennig Dotzler. Neprjayeva admitted that she did not initially notice the skis were not hers, as they were of the same brand. She felt confident about her fast transition and did not realize her error until later in the race.

After skiing for about a kilometer, Neprjayeva began to feel something was amiss. As she tackled a steep section of the course, she recognized that the skis were not functioning like her own. After a brief moment of confusion, she looked down and realized she was using the skis of another athlete, which prompted her to understand why she was struggling. This mix-up ultimately led to her disqualification in the race, casting a shadow over her Olympic experience.

The incident highlights the intense pressure athletes face during major competitions and how even a minor oversight can lead to significant consequences. Neprjayeva’s explanation provides insight into the complexity of race events where precision and correct gear are vital for performance. The story serves as a reminder of the unexpected challenges athletes can encounter at the highest levels of sport.