Winter Olympics 2026: Breezy Johnson breaks gold medal after winning Alpine downhill

During the 2026 Winter Olympics, Breezy Johnson won the gold medal in the women's downhill event, marking the first medal for the United States in these Games. Johnson's victory came amid significant attention surrounding her teammate, Lindsey Vonn, who was attempting a comeback after suffering a severe injury. Vonn had ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in her left knee during a World Cup downhill event the week prior to the Olympics. Despite her injury being described as "100% gone," she completed her second training run at the Olympics, demonstrating her determination to compete. However, Vonn's Olympic journey took a dramatic turn when she crashed out of the Women’s Downhill final. The crash occurred near the top of the Olympia delle Tofane course, leading to her being airlifted off the slopes. This incident overshadowed Johnson's victory and raised concerns about the future of Vonn's skiing career. Reports indicated that Vonn's crash highlighted the unpredictable nature of competitive skiing and the risks that athletes take in pursuit of their goals. Vonn's participation in the Olympics was viewed as a testament to her resilience and competitive spirit, even in the face of severe physical challenges. Despite her hopes for a medal, the crash ultimately dashed her Olympic aspirations. The dramatic events during the race underscored the intensity of Olympic competition, particularly in high-stakes events like downhill skiing.