At the start of the 2012 season, Krpálek was already guaranteed a spot at the 2012 Summer Olympic. At the beginning of the year, his preparation was complicated by a back injury. As a result, he was unable to train for a month; nonetheless he was able to win the Prague Grand Prix tournament in February. At the European Championships he was defeated in the second round by Zafar Machmadov. On 2 August Krpálek participated in the Olympic 100 kg tournament. His first match was in the second round against Japanese judoka Takamasa Anai, world champion from 2010. Krpálek won by ippon within 25 seconds. In the quarterfinals he fought against the reigning world champion at that time, Tagir Khaibulaev from Russia. With one minute remaining Krpálek was leading by one yuko, awarded after his successful Ōuchi gari technique. Fighting on the ground, Khaibulaev was able to get away from his opponents grip, then he proceeded to successfully hold Krpálek and was awarded an ippon. After the defeat Krpálek faced Henk Grol in a repechage, and again lost by ippon, this time via Ōuchi gari. Krpálek finished seventh overall.