Johnson Gold at World Championships

On Saturday’s World Championships downhill in Saalbach, Austria, Stifel U.S. Ski Team athlete Breezy Johnson knifed her run to claim gold and become the 2025 downhill world champion. 

“It has not sunk in yet,” said Johnson. “I've just been trying to ski my best all weekend. I really tried to throw down today.”

It was another day of sun in Saalbach and once again the track proved invincible, even after three downhill training runs. Johnson had already set a solid pace in the training runs earlier in the week and knew what she needed to do to execute the plan and ski her best. To add to the narrative, Johnson ran wearing bib one, truly setting the pace for the rest of the skiers. She pushed hard from the start to come down with a final time that was a full second faster than her training runs. It was clear that this would be a tough one to beat. 

“I came to Cortina for my second World Championships. I hip checked and I won three splits, but that was not gonna work with a hip check so I didn't walk away with a medal,” said Johnson. “Then I came into Meribel with the green light and I fell, so it's been a long time coming. But if you keep trying then maybe one day you'll get it.” 

Skier after skier came down the course and could not hold a candle to Johnson. It was not until fellow teammate and super-G bronze medalist Lauren Macuga came blazing down with fast splits up top that had the crowd on the edge of their seats. Macuga landed in fifth.

“I put forward my best skiing, and I couldn't be more excited,” said Macuga. “It's so cool to see our team thriving like this. We've been building it up and now we get to represent such a strong team.”

Finally the speed queen herself Lindsey Vonn landed in 15th place. After a fall a few days ago, Vonn skied impressively at the top for a good result. 

“For me it was important to be at the start and be clear minded and be able to execute under pressure. It is good preparation for next year for the Olympics,” said Vonn. “I'm so happy for Breezy and also Lauren in the super-G… Our team is really, really strong so it's going to be a fun season to prepare for with all these girls that are so fast.” 

Jackie Wiles also raced, but did not finish. She is OK. 

Ultimately it was a day to celebrate the newfound world champion Breezy Johnson. An emotional Johnson was overwhelmed with the celebrations and hugs that she broke down crying in the leaderboard chair in disbelief. The sweetest moment was when she called her parents on the phone and was overcome with excitement. 

Johnson has always been a force in women’s speed but never stood on top of a World Cup podium or World Championships podium until now. She is a two-time Olympian with seven World Cup podiums to her name and now a World Championships victory to her list of accolades. 

The women’s speed team has had a Cinderella story the past few days with a bronze medal by Macuga in the super-G and now a gold by Johnson. More women’s speed will still come with the team combined early next week. 

The men will now take on the track on Super Bowl Sunday with men’s downhill. 

RESULTS
Women's downhill

HOW TO WATCH 
Saturday, Feb. 8
3:00 p.m. ET - women’s World Championships downhill, Saalbach, AUT - NBC Tape Delay

Sunday, Feb. 9
5:30 a.m. ET - men’s World Championships downhill, Saalbach, AUT - skiandsnowboard.live