Ex-Western Washington University Student Wins Gold at 2026 Winter Olympics
A former student of Western Washington University, Breezy Johnson, has achieved significant success at the 2026 Winter Olympics. Johnson won a gold medal for Team USA in women’s downhill skiing on February 8 in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy. This victory marks the first gold medal for the United States in this event since 2010, showcasing her remarkable talent and perseverance.
Breezy Johnson: A Rising Star in Alpine Skiing
Breezy Johnson was born in Victor, Idaho, where she began skiing at the age of three. Her first competitive ski race occurred at just five years old, with her beloved stuffed fox tucked into her snow pants. At the age of 18, she secured a spot on the Team USA alpine ski team after attending Rowmark Ski Academy in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Johnson studied English Literature at Western Washington University from 2016 to 2018. During her time there, she expressed her aspirations of becoming a sports agent following graduation. She made her Olympic debut in 2018 at the PyeongChang Winter Games, finishing seventh in downhill and 14th in Super G.
Overcoming Challenges
Despite her early success, Johnson faced significant challenges, including two severe knee injuries that delayed her career. After a lengthy recovery, she returned to competition in 2024, demonstrating remarkable grit and determination.
Historic Gold at the 2026 Winter Olympics
During the 2026 Winter Olympics, which commenced on February 6 and ran through February 22, Johnson excelled in the Women’s Alpine Skiing finals. Her winning time of 1 minute and 36.10 seconds secured her gold, while rivals Emma Aicher of Germany won silver and Italy’s Sofia Goggia earned bronze.
In her post-race remarks, Johnson conveyed her disbelief at the victory, noting, “I had a good feeling about today.” Team USA celebrated this milestone via social media, highlighting this achievement as a golden return to the podium in women’s downhill skiing.
Community and University Support
Western Washington University President Sabah Randhawa expressed pride in Johnson’s accomplishments, calling her achievements a testament to her perseverance. The university shared their excitement on social media, celebrating Johnson as an alumna representing the institution’s values.
Team USA’s Performance at the Olympics
As of February 9, Team USA has secured a total of seven medals at the Olympics, with Johnson’s gold contributing to this tally. The medal count includes:
- Gold in women’s downhill skiing (Breezy Johnson)
- Gold in figure skating
- Silver in curling
- Silver in cross-country skiing
- Silver in freestyle skiing
- Bronze in alpine skiing
- Bronze in luge
Breezy Johnson’s historical win at the 2026 Winter Olympics not only underscores her talent as an athlete but also reflects the potential of Western Washington University students to excel on the global stage. Her inspiring journey continues to resonate within the community, igniting enthusiasm and pride among fans and alumni alike.
