Winter Olympics 2026 medal count: Team USA sits at 2 after team figure skating, Breezy Johnson's golds

During the 2026 Winter Olympics, Team USA has secured a total of two medals, with Breezy Johnson winning the first gold medal for the United States in the women's downhill event. This victory marked a significant achievement for the U.S. team early in the competition, as reported by multiple sources including NPR and Yahoo Sports. Lindsey Vonn, the renowned U.S. ski star, faced a challenging situation during the Olympics. She had previously announced that she ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in her left knee following a crash during a World Cup downhill event the week before the Olympics. Despite this serious injury, Vonn completed her second training run at the Olympics, demonstrating her determination to compete in the Olympic downhill competition. Reports indicated that her ACL was "100% gone," yet she remained hopeful about her chances of winning Olympic gold (Japan Times, Yahoo Sports). However, Vonn's Olympic comeback ended dramatically 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 (France24, AP News). The dramatic turn of events highlighted the unpredictable nature of competitive skiing and the risks athletes take in pursuit of their goals. Vonn's participation was seen as a testament to her resilience and competitive spirit, even in the face of severe physical challenges.