Breezy Johnson and Ilia Malinin shine for US at Milan Cortina Olympics as Lindsey Vonn crashes

Johnson wins gold in women's downhill, Malinin leads US to team figure skating gold

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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Breezy Johnson won the gold medal in the women's downhill at the Milan Cortina Olympics, becoming only the second American woman to win the event. However, her victory was overshadowed by a frightening crash involving veteran skier Lindsey Vonn. Meanwhile, Ilia Malinin led the US team to gold in the figure skating team event, edging out Japan.

Why it matters

Johnson's gold medal marks a major achievement for the US ski team, while Vonn's crash raised concerns about athlete safety at the Olympics. The US team's success in figure skating also continues their dominance in the event. These results will shape the narrative and momentum of the US team at the Milan Cortina Games.

The details

Johnson, 30, won the women's downhill despite her own injury concerns and a 14-month ban for a doping violation. Her victory came as Vonn, a legendary US skier, crashed dramatically during her run, requiring a helicopter evacuation. In the figure skating team event, 18-year-old Malinin landed five quadruple jumps to help the US edge out Japan for the gold medal.

  • Vonn's crash occurred during the women's downhill event on Sunday.
  • Johnson's gold medal victory came on Sunday in the women's downhill.
  • The US team figure skating gold medal was decided on Sunday.

The players

Breezy Johnson

A 30-year-old American skier who won the gold medal in the women's downhill at the Milan Cortina Olympics, becoming only the second American woman to win the event.

Lindsey Vonn

A legendary American skier who crashed dramatically during the women's downhill event at the Milan Cortina Olympics, requiring a helicopter evacuation.

Ilia Malinin

An 18-year-old American figure skater who led the US team to the gold medal in the figure skating team event at the Milan Cortina Olympics, landing five quadruple jumps.

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What they’re saying

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

— Breezy Johnson (wbal.com)

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

— Breezy Johnson (wbal.com)

What’s next

The US and Canadian men's hockey teams, comprised mostly of NHL players, will begin their Olympic campaigns on Thursday.

The takeaway

The US team's success in skiing and figure skating at the Milan Cortina Olympics has been a bright spot, despite the dramatic crash involving veteran skier Lindsey Vonn. These results demonstrate the depth and talent of the US Olympic team and will be a major storyline heading into the second week of competition.