Breezy Johnson's Olympic Downhill Victory: A Day of Mixed Emotions
CORTINA D’AMPEZZO, Italy (AP) -- American ski racer Breezy Johnson claimed the Olympic downhill title on Sunday with a bold and daring run, but the day was overshadowed by a tragic crash involving her teammate, Lindsey Vonn. Vonn, a former champion, was taken off the mountain by helicopter after a devastating crash, leaving a somber mood among the spectators.
Johnson, the sixth racer, showcased her speed and risk-taking abilities on the iconic Olympia delle Tofana course. Her time of 1 minute, 36.10 seconds secured her victory, finishing just 0.04 seconds ahead of Emma Aicher of Germany. This triumph marked the first medal for the United States in the Winter Games, and Johnson became the second American woman to win the Olympic downhill, joining Vonn.
The 30-year-old Johnson's journey to the top has been challenging, as she missed the 2022 Beijing Olympics due to a knee injury, serving a 14-month ban for missing anti-doping exams. She made a remarkable comeback, winning the world championship last February and now standing as an Olympic downhill gold medalist. Her teammate, Jacqueline Wiles, finished just 0.27 seconds away from a medal in a tie for fourth place.
The day's events were emotionally charged, with Johnson's eyes welling up as she saw Vonn's crash. Vonn, a gold-medal favorite, suffered a ruptured ACL in a crash in Switzerland the week before, adding to her history of knee injuries. Despite her injuries, Vonn had returned to elite ski racing after nearly six years and a partial titanium knee replacement.
Cande Moreno of Andorra also faced a challenging day, with her left knee buckling while landing a jump. She was taken off the course by helicopter, and the race was paused again. The weekend's downhill golds were won by reigning world champions, with Franjo von Allmen of Switzerland claiming the men's race on Saturday.
The races featured a mix of up-and-coming and veteran athletes, with Aicher, Giovanni Franzoni of Italy, and Italian veterans Sofia Goggia and Dominik Paris securing silver and bronze medals. Goggia, the 2018 Olympic downhill winner, now holds an Olympic downhill medal of every color.
Despite her mixed emotions, Johnson expressed her relief and joy, stating, 'I had a good feeling about today. I can't believe it yet. I don't know when it will sink in.' The day's events showcased the thrilling and emotional nature of Olympic skiing, leaving a lasting impact on the athletes and spectators alike.
