Johnson Lands Fourth in Garmisch Downhill, Macuga sixth, Wiles 11th
On the first day of racing in Garmisch, Germany, the Stifel U.S. Ski Team, women’s alpine speed team, had quite a day, led by Breezy Johnson in fourth place, just .06 seconds off the podium. Johnson was joined by Lauren Macuga and Jackie Wiles in the top 11, with Macuga in sixth and Wiles in 11th.
Garmisch, known for its low altitude, steep, dark, and icy course, welcomed back the fastest women in the world. With American fans and flags taking over the finish area, the American spirit was present for the 49 athletes on the start list.
Off the start, Wiles ran bib one. Down the course, she put together a strong run and had her chance to sit in the leader's chair. Then came the Italians, led by Sofia Goggia and Federica Brignone. Macuga, Johnson, Allison Mollin (A-Mo), Keely Cashman, Lindsey Vonn, Bella Wright and Tricia Mangan were up next for the U.S.
Down the course, it was anyone’s game. When it was Johnson’s turn, all eyes were on her. “This is one of my favorite courses,” said Johnson before the race. She’s been racing for over 10 years at the venue and today was another race to add to her resume.
Johnson was putting together a strong race and was in the green most of the way down the course. The crowd was getting wild; her teammates held their breath as she crossed the line - .25 off from the lead, securing a top-five and fourth, her best result of the season.
"I feel good! I had a plan and I executed it well. I was able to execute the main things and next time, the small things will come. Honestly, to be that close to the leaders and the podium is great and i'm excited for that. My goals for tomorrow is to stay excited and get a really good start!"
Next was Macuga. Coming off her career-first win in St. Anton just a weekend ago, Macuga has become a crowd favorite. Only .38 seconds off from first, it was another solid day for the Park City, Utah native. Dawning her red, white and blue outfit in the finish, “Cougs” was all smiles, knowing she just secured another career top-10 and is going into her premier event tomorrow, the super-G.
To round out the top 11 was Jackie Wiles. Wiles, whose best result of the season this year was outside the top 30, made a statement today in Garmisch. Running bib one is not easy - you’re setting the tone for the day for all the other athletes. Yet, she strung together a run she was proud of and ended the day in 11th place, her top result of the season.
Vonn, Mangan and Wright did not finish their runs but are okay and focused on getting back out there. The ultimate winners of the day were given to the Italians, with Brignone and Goggia going head-to-head for first and second place. With only. 01 seconds between the two (the smallest margin possible in the sport), Brignone came out on top, with Goggia in second and Switzerland’s Corinne Suter in third. U.S. athletes, including Mollin, were 33rd, just out of the points, Cutler 35th, and Cashman 39th.
The women are back at it tomorrow, with the super-G to wrap up a week in Garmisch. Watch LIVE and on-demand on skiandsnowboard.live at 5:00 a.m. ET.
RESULTS
Women
