Krista Pärmäkoski won first medal for Finland in the PyeongChang Olympics on Saturday in the women's 15-kilometre skiathlon.

Pärmäkoski secured third position in 40: 55.0. wining the bronze.

Charlotte Kalla of Sweden claimed the gold while Marit Bjoergen of Norway won silver in the event.

“When I set out today, I was thinking that I don't necessarily have to do well, there will be other chances. But this is just amazing that I succeeded already in this first event. Now I will for sure be able to relax as I continue," Pärmäkoski told Yle.

Kalla won the women's skiathlon in a time of 40 minutes and 44.9 seconds in an event combining 7.5 km classic and 7.5 km freestyle skiing.

Kalla said: "Winning the first gold means a lot. I was quite nervous today and the Olympics is something I have focused on for a long, long time. It has felt great during the season but I know everyone wants to be in shape at the Olympics. It was really exciting and fun to compete today."

"I had a wish that if I felt strong I would try to do something on the last lap and not wait too long. It went my way and I tried to focus forward all the time," Kalla added.

Bjoergen took the 11th Olympic medal by finishing second in 40:52.7.

"I am here to take medals. It is my fifth Olympics and still to be there. I am happy with that. I am happy to be here at my age," said the 37-year-old Bjoergen, who won three gold medals at Vancouver in 2010 and three more in the 2004 Sochi Games.