Breezy Johnson Secures Olympic Downhill Gold, Matches Lindsey Vonn’s Historic Achievement
Breezy Johnson made history by securing Olympic gold in downhill skiing, becoming the second American woman to achieve this milestone. Her victory came on Sunday during the Milan Cortina Olympics, following a dramatic and unfortunate event earlier in the day when Lindsey Vonn, the first American woman to win Olympic downhill gold, suffered a severe crash on the Tofane course.
Breezy Johnson’s Gold Medal Performance
Johnson completed her run in 1:36.1, marking her first Olympic medal. This victory was not unexpected; she entered the competition as the reigning world champion in downhill skiing. The achievement also represented the United States’ inaugural medal of the 2026 Winter Games.
Coping with the Past
At 30, Johnson had previously faced challenges on the Tofane course, including a serious training crash in 2022 that forced her to miss the Beijing Olympics. Reflecting on her journey, she stated, “I had a good feeling about today… I had to push and go harder than I did in training.”
Competition and Results
Emma Aicher from Germany secured the silver medal, finishing just 0.04 seconds behind Johnson. Italy’s Sofia Goggia earned the bronze, adding to the host country’s medal tally. Johnson’s performance involved strategically gaining time over the five skiers who ran before her, particularly in the latter segment of the course.
Emotional Moments on the Tofane Course
As Johnson awaited her fate in the leader’s chair, she wore a hand-knitted headband, a pre-race ritual of hers. As the competition progressed, it became clear she was on track for gold, which brought her to tears of joy.
Controversies and Challenges
Johnson’s journey has not been free of hurdles. In May 2024, she received a 14-month suspension from the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency for missing three doping tests. She has attributed the missed tests to app issues and personal oversight. Additionally, she faced injury challenges, including a back injury sustained just weeks before the skiing season began.
Concern for Lindsey Vonn
Johnson expressed empathy for Vonn after witnessing her crash, remembering her own struggles on the course. Vonn, 41, aimed to become the oldest Alpine skier to win an Olympic medal but had recently torn her ACL. Johnson stated, “My heart goes out to her… skiing this course can be incredibly painful.”
- Gold Medal: Breezy Johnson, United States
- Silver Medal: Emma Aicher, Germany
- Bronze Medal: Sofia Goggia, Italy
- Course Details: Tofane course, approximately 1.6 miles with a 2,000 feet elevation drop
- Johnson’s Time: 1:36.1
- Vonn’s Crash: Occurred after 13 seconds into her run
Johnson’s gold medal signifies a remarkable achievement in American skiing history and showcases her resilience and dedication to the sport.
