Sandra Näslund celebrates after winning the women's ski cross ©Getty Images

Sandra Näslund demonstrated her women’s ski cross dominance as she clinched gold in emphatic fashion to seal Sweden’s best-ever Winter Olympic medal haul at the Games here.

The reigning world champion has won nine of the past 10 World Cup races this season, making her a huge favourite for gold at Beijing 2022.

The Winter Olympics have been a place of disappointing memories for Näslund who finished fifth at Sochi 2014 and Pyeongchang 2018.

But the 25-year-old ensured it was third-time lucky as she notched the best time in qualifying before winning the next four races to claim victory.

Näslund established an early lead and refused to let it go as she drove across the finish line.

It secured Sweden’s seventh gold and 15th medal, beating the previous best haul of 14, including seven golds at Pyeongchang 2018.

"I was feeling pretty good today, and the skiing was great, but it was hard with the snow," said Näslund.

"I didn’t know what speed it would be each run, so that was pretty difficult.

"It’s always hard coming into one race when it counts the most.

"You've been doing well all season and here it is.

"I'm so happy I managed to ski well and keep the lead."

While Näslund swept to victory, there was a tight battle for the remaining podium places.

All four finalists were forced to wait for 10 minutes after the race before the official result was confirmed with Daniela Maier replacing Fanny Smith in third place ©Getty Images
All four finalists were forced to wait for 10 minutes after the race before the official result was confirmed with Daniela Maier replacing Fanny Smith in third place ©Getty Images

Marielle Thompson of Canada dug deep to clinch silver, while Switzerland’s Fanny Smith crossed the finish line in third position ahead of Germany’s Daniela Maier.

But Smith then had to wait 10 minutes as judges reviewed the race before being denied the medal after it was ruled that she had made contact with Maier.

"I didn't really understand what they were looking at, and I didn't really understand their decision, but I haven't looked at it," said Näslund in her post-race interview.

"I'm sad for Fanny and I'm happy for Danny.

"Sometimes it takes time but not this long, but I guess it's also the Olympic final so for sure they want to do it right."

Maier added: "I just saw that Fanny had more speed than Marielle and she had to decide where to go and then I was losing my balance.

"I have to check the video again.

"The jury decided it like this.

"I have to have a look at the video because I don't know.

"I'm really sorry for Fanny because it's always a weird feeling.

"I'm so sorry for Fanny because she's a great skier.

"We fight that hard, we all earn a medal.

"But that's the result now."