Breezy Johnson Secures America’s First 2026 Winter Olympics Gold in Downhill
Breezy Johnson made history by winning the first gold medal for Team USA in the women’s downhill race at the 2026 Winter Olympics. This event took place on February 8, 2026, in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy. Johnson’s victory comes four years after a devastating injury ended her hopes of competing in the 2022 Winter Games.
Breezy Johnson’s Unforgettable Performance
At 30 years old, Johnson, a native of Idaho, cruised down the iconic Tofane track, showcasing her skills and determination. She reached impressive speeds of 80 miles per hour while navigating the challenging course. Johnson’s final time of 1:36.10 secured her the gold medal, making this her first Olympic win. Germany’s Emma Aicher finished in a close second with a time of 1:36.14, while Italy’s Sofia Goggia took home bronze with a time of 1:36.69.
- Gold Medalist: Breezy Johnson (USA) – 1:36.10
- Silver Medalist: Emma Aicher (Germany) – 1:36.14
- Bronze Medalist: Sofia Goggia (Italy) – 1:36.69
Overcoming Adversity
Johnson’s journey to this podium has been fraught with challenges. She qualified for three Olympic Games but competed in only two due to a severe ACL injury in January 2022. This incident sidelined her when she crashed again during training in Cortina. In addition to her injury, she faced a 14-month suspension from competition after a missed drug test notification. Johnson has always maintained her innocence regarding these tests.
Johnson’s Resilience
Since her return to skiing in December 2024, Johnson has proven her prowess, including a gold medal at the 2025 World Championships. In her post-race interview, she reflected on her journey, stating, “If you’re going through hell, you keep walking.” Her determination has contributed to her success and reputation as one of the best downhill skiers globally.
Future Competitions
Looking forward, Johnson is set to participate in the team combined event on Tuesday, where she will ski both downhill and slalom. Additionally, she is scheduled to compete in the super-G event on Thursday.
Impact of Serendipity and Team Support
The downhill race garnered significant attention, particularly due to the involvement of veteran skier Lindsey Vonn. Despite an ACL tear a week prior, Vonn’s attempt to race ended in a dramatic crash just seconds into her run, resulting in an urgent helicopter evacuation. Johnson expressed her concern, saying, “My heart aches for her.”
Performance of Other American Skiers
- Jackie Wiles: 4th place
- Bella Wright: 21st place
As the competition unfolds, Johnson’s gold in downhill skiing sets a hopeful tone for Team USA at the 2026 Winter Olympics. Her journey embodies resilience, skill, and competitive spirit, making her a standout athlete in the world of alpine skiing.
