Breezy Johnson Clinches Gold in Women’s Downhill at Milano Cortina Olympics

American skier Breezy Johnson triumphantly secured Team USA’s first gold medal at the Milano Cortina Winter Games, capturing victory in the women’s downhill event. This achievement was bittersweet due to teammate Lindsey Vonn’s unfortunate crash during the race.

Johnson, aged 30, was the sixth competitor on the course and led the team of four American skiers. Her remarkable descent on the Olympia delle Tofana course took place under sunny skies in Cortina, clocking in at 1:36.10. This victory marked her first Olympic medal.

Breezy Johnson of Team USA in action during the Women’s Downhill at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics. Photo by Christophe Pallot / Agence Zoom / Getty Images

Joining Johnson on the podium were Emma Aicher of Germany and Sofia Goggia of Italy. Johnson became the second American woman to win Olympic gold in downhill skiing, following Vonn’s achievement at the 2010 Vancouver Games. As the national anthem played, Johnson was visibly emotional during her medal presentation.

I had a good feeling about today. I sort of still can’t believe it yet, Johnson expressed. I don’t know when it will sink in.

Johnson’s path to success has been challenging. She missed the 2022 Beijing Olympics due to a knee injury and faced a 14-month suspension, which ended in December 2024, for missing three anti-doping tests and violating location rules. Remarkably, she returned to win the world championship last February.

Meanwhile, Vonn, who had been a top contender for gold, suffered a fall just 13.4 seconds into her run. She lost control on an opening traverse, spinning in the air after cutting the line too closely. Medical personnel attended to her immediately, and she was airlifted from the mountain, signaling a possible end to her illustrious career. Team USA explained that her right ski pole caught a gate, causing her to lose balance and control.

I hope it’s not as bad as it looked, said Johnson concerning Vonn’s crash. Sometimes, because you love this course so much, when you crash on it and get hurt, it hurts that much more. My heart just goes out to her.

Other American participants, Jacqueline Wiles and Isabella Wright, finished in 5th and 21st places, respectively.