Winter Olympics 2026: Hilary Knight ties record in U.S. rout of Finland

During the 2026 Winter Olympics, Team USA secured its first gold medal when Breezy Johnson won 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 Yahoo Sports and NPR. Johnson's win was highlighted amid considerable attention surrounding her teammate, Lindsey Vonn, who was attempting a comeback after suffering a severe injury. Lindsey Vonn, the renowned U.S. ski star, 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 her injury being described as "100% gone," Vonn completed her second training run at the Olympics, demonstrating her determination to compete in the Olympic downhill competition (Japan Times, Yahoo Sports). 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 (France24, AP News). Vonn's crash overshadowed Johnson's victory and raised concerns about the future of her skiing career. Reports indicated that the incident highlighted the unpredictable nature of competitive skiing and the risks athletes take in pursuit of their goals (Yahoo Sports, France24). 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 and underscored the intensity of Olympic competition, particularly in high-stakes events like downhill skiing.