Breezy Johnson and Ilia Malinin win gold for US on Day 2 of Milan Olympics

Vonn's dramatic crash overshadows Johnson's downhill victory, while Malinin leads US to team figure skating gold

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Breezy Johnson won the women's downhill gold medal for the United States at the Milan Cortina Olympics, becoming only the second American woman to win the event. Meanwhile, Ilia Malinin led the US team to victory in the team figure skating competition, edging out Japan. The day was marked by Lindsey Vonn's dramatic crash during the downhill event, which left Johnson feeling "heartbroken." The host nation Italy also had a successful day, winning six medals including a silver in the mixed relay biathlon race.

Why it matters

Johnson's victory marks a significant achievement for the US, as she overcame her own injury concerns and a doping ban to claim gold. The team figure skating event was also a closely watched competition, with the US and Japan battling for the top spot. Vonn's crash, while overshadowing Johnson's win, highlighted the risks and drama inherent in Olympic downhill skiing. Italy's strong performance on home soil also generated excitement and national pride.

The details

Breezy Johnson, a 30-year-old American skier, won the women's downhill gold medal, becoming only the second US woman to win the event after Lindsey Vonn's victory in 2010. Johnson's win came after she had to overcome her own injury concerns and a 14-month ban for violating 'whereabouts' rules related to doping tests. In the team figure skating competition, 17-year-old Ilia Malinin, nicknamed the 'Quad God,' led the US team to victory over Japan, landing five quadruple jumps in his free skate program. The host nation Italy also had a successful day, winning six medals including a silver in the mixed relay biathlon race.

  • Breezy Johnson won the women's downhill gold medal on Sunday, February 9, 2026.
  • Ilia Malinin's performance helped the US team win the team figure skating gold medal on Sunday, February 9, 2026.
  • Lindsey Vonn's dramatic crash occurred during the women's downhill event on Sunday, February 9, 2026.

The players

Breezy Johnson

A 30-year-old American skier who won the women's downhill gold medal, becoming only the second US woman to win the event after Lindsey Vonn's victory in 2010.

Ilia Malinin

A 17-year-old American figure skater, nicknamed the 'Quad God,' who led the US team to victory in the team figure skating competition by landing five quadruple jumps in his free skate program.

Lindsey Vonn

A renowned American skier who suffered a dramatic crash during the women's downhill event, overshadowing Breezy Johnson's gold medal victory.

Shun Sato

A Japanese figure skater who competed against Ilia Malinin in the team figure skating event, finishing with the silver medal for Japan.

Sofia Goggia

An Italian downhill skier who won the bronze medal on Sunday, contributing to Italy's successful day with six medals won.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“It was one of the most heartbreaking moments of my life.”

— Breezy Johnson (AP)

“Sometimes, you just have to keep going because that's the only option.”

— Breezy Johnson (AP)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The US and Canada are the heavy favorites in the 12-team men's hockey tournament, which starts on Wednesday. The Americans face Latvia and the Canadians play Czechia in their opening matches.

The takeaway

Breezy Johnson's gold medal victory and Ilia Malinin's performance in leading the US team to figure skating gold demonstrated the depth of American talent at the Milan Cortina Olympics. However, the day was also marked by the dramatic crash of Lindsey Vonn, a reminder of the risks and unpredictability inherent in Olympic downhill skiing.