Western Washington Alum Breezy Johnson Wins Gold for Team USA at 2026 Olympics

Four Seattle Torrent players also part of U.S. Women's Ice Hockey Team

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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The 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics are underway, with several athletes with ties to Washington state competing. Western Washington University alum Breezy Johnson won the first gold medal for Team USA in the women's downhill skiing event. The U.S. Women's Ice Hockey Team, which includes four players from the Seattle Torrent, also kicked off the games with a 5-1 win over Czechia.

Why it matters

The Olympics are a major international sporting event that showcases the best athletes from around the world. Washington state has a strong contingent of competitors representing the U.S., including a gold medalist from Western Washington University and several players from the Seattle Torrent women's hockey team. Their success highlights the athletic talent coming out of the Pacific Northwest.

The details

Breezy Johnson, a Western Washington University alum, won the gold medal in the women's downhill skiing event with a time of 1 minute and 36.10 seconds. This was the first gold medal for Team USA at the 2026 Olympics. In figure skating, 21-year-old Ilia Malinin's free skate secured a second gold medal for the U.S. The U.S. Women's Ice Hockey Team, which includes four players from the Seattle Torrent, defeated Czechia 5-1 in their opening game. Team captain Hilary Knight tied the record for most career Olympic goals (14) in U.S. women's ice hockey history.

  • Breezy Johnson won the gold medal in women's downhill skiing on Sunday, February 9, 2026.
  • The U.S. Women's Ice Hockey Team defeated Czechia 5-1 in their opening game on February 9, 2026.

The players

Breezy Johnson

A Western Washington University alum who won the gold medal in women's downhill skiing for Team USA.

Hilary Knight

The captain of the U.S. Women's Ice Hockey Team, who tied the record for most career Olympic goals (14) in U.S. women's ice hockey history.

Alex Carpenter

One of the alternate captains of the U.S. Women's Ice Hockey Team and a forward for the Seattle Torrent.

Hannah Bilka

A forward for the Seattle Torrent who is on the roster of the U.S. Women's Ice Hockey Team.

Cayla Barnes

A defender for the Seattle Torrent who is on the roster of the U.S. Women's Ice Hockey Team.

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What they’re saying

“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 U.S. Women's Ice Hockey Team will continue their quest for gold as the 18-day Olympic competition continues.

The takeaway

The success of Washington state athletes at the 2026 Winter Olympics, including a gold medal for a Western Washington University alum and several players from the Seattle Torrent on the U.S. Women's Ice Hockey Team, showcases the depth of athletic talent in the Pacific Northwest and the region's growing prominence on the international sports stage.