In the standing shooting stage, Sebastian Samuelsson had three misses. He then missed two of three extra shots and was penalized with two penalty loops.
"Total nightmare series," shooting coach Jean-Marc Chabloz told HBO Max.
Samuelsson said he couldn't handle the mental aspect.
"It was a terrible experience. I couldn't do the standing shooting at all. It's just too bad," he told reporters in Antholz.
On how he felt after finishing his leg:
"It's so sad, and I know the day is ruined."
The walk through the mixed zone was a learning experience, he said, noting that his self-confidence is shattered.
"At the same time, there's training on Tuesday, and we just have to forget about this and move on. I know I've turned it around before."
Lifted at the end
When Samuelsson crossed the finish line on the first leg, Sweden was in 18th place heading into the second stage. Martin Ponsiluoma moved up to 14th before handing over to Anna Magnusson, who skied fast.
When Magnusson handed over to Hanna Öberg for the final leg, Sweden was in eighth place, 1.48 behind.
"I'm very happy with my leg. I really did my best," Magnusson said.
On Sebastian Samuelsson's collapse, she said she would first and foremost give her teammate a hug.
"He may be disappointed, but he just has to recharge. There are new races coming and he can do much better."
Hanna Öberg also skied and shot well, finishing fifth, 1.41 behind France, who took gold.
Brilliant after the verdict
France's Julia Simon, who was convicted last fall of theft and fraud after stealing from one of her teammates, was superb in the final leg.
Italy took silver and Germany took bronze. Norway was in a medal position for almost the entire race, but the top spot was lost when Maren Kirkeeide incurred two penalty loops in the final shooting.
