Shiffrin Fourth, Johnson and Wright Top 15 in Cortina

The Stifel U.S. Alpine Ski Team’s women’s speed team laid it down in the Audi FIS Alpine Ski World Cup downhill in Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy to place three in the top 15. Mikaela Shiffrin led the way with a fourth place finish. She led the race at the top with some very fast split times, but a little bobble toward the bottom put her into fourth, just shy of the podium. Behind Shiffrin for the Americans was Breezy Johnson in ninth place and Bella Wright in 12th.

“I did not hit my line in all the spots, but the speeds are fast and I am happy with the skiing,” said Johnson who is coming back from a knee injury she sustained last year. “My body is ok; my knee still hurts sometimes but I am just happy to be back here and get a little redemption.”

Wright started bib 27 and skied to a very quick 12th place position. She has had a consistent and strong season thus far and hopes to continue the success.

“I was really trying to focus on good skiing today,” said Wright. “I was nervous but in a good way. I am proud of the skiing and plan to improve for tomorrow. The sun was shining and it was great.”

Shiffrin continues her hunt for the 83rd record-breaking win. She currently stands at 82 wins, tied with Lindsey Vonn for the all-time woman skier record.

The top three finishers for the women's downhill included Italian skier Sofia Goggia in first, Slovakian skier Ilka Stuhec in second and Germany's Kira Weidle in third. Americans Keely Cashman and Tricia Mangan also raced, placing 39th and 41st.

The women race downhill again on Saturday, with the Stifel U.S. Alpine Ski Team hunting for podium spots. 

RESULTS
Women's downhill

HOW TO WATCH

Saturday, Jan. 21, 2023

4:00 a.m. FIS Alpine World Cup, Women's Downhill, Cortina, Italy, streaming on skiandsnowboard.live

5:30 a.m. FIS Alpine World Cup, Men's Downhill, Kitzbuehel, Austria, streaming on peacock.com