The reigning Olympic champion, Sandra Näslund, was beaten by Daniela Maier of Germany, who took the gold, and Fanny Smith of Switzerland, who took the silver.
After the finish line, an emotional Näslund - who made a comeback in December after two injury-plagued years - hugged teammates and competitors.
This was after a final where Daniela Maier got off to a good start and held the lead throughout the race. Sandra Näslund fought with Fanny Smith for the silver medal, with the Swiss woman coming out on top.
Multiple injuries
Since winning Olympic gold in Beijing, injuries have piled up.
When she finally returned and impressed in the World Cup, she quickly became Sweden's gold medal candidate for the Olympics in Italy.
"It feels good, even though one might have wished for more," says her father, Patrik Näslund.
- Maier had great skis, we have to admit. Best of all.
More rest
At the same time, the German was given a little more rest before the final, something that may have had an impact, according to national captain Eric Iljans.
"Maier had 20-30 minutes more rest after the first heat than Sandra. Since Sandra started the last heat, things were a bit more compressed and she had less time to recover. That was probably the deciding factor."
However, Sandra Näslund herself does not want to say that it could have decided the Olympic final:
"Maier rode incredibly well all day and is well deserving of this gold medal. Of course, a gold medal would have been nice, but I am incredibly happy with this bronze medal."
Facts: Sandra Näslund
TT
Born: July 6, 1996 in Kramfors.
Club: Kramfors.
Sport: Ski cross.
Olympics: 2014, 2018, 2022, 2026.
Selected achievements: Olympic bronze in Livigno 2026, Olympic gold in Beijing 2022, four World Cup gold medals, won the overall World Cup four times.
World Cup results before the Olympics: 1–1–1–3–1–1–4–25–4
