Olympic Athletes Share Secrets to Success with Kylie Kelce

Laila Edwards and Breezy Johnson open up about their journeys to Olympic glory

Published on Mar. 1, 2026

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In an interview with Kylie Kelce, U.S. hockey player Laila Edwards and Alpine skier Breezy Johnson discussed the personal sacrifices, family support, and mindsets that fueled their Olympic success. Edwards made history as the first Black woman to compete in hockey for Team USA, while Johnson won gold in the women's downhill skiing event.

Why it matters

The stories of Edwards and Johnson provide inspiring examples of the dedication and resilience required to reach the pinnacle of Olympic competition. Their interviews offer valuable insights for young athletes chasing their own dreams of athletic greatness.

The details

Edwards, 22, detailed the early morning practices, frequent travel, and social sacrifices that allowed her to emerge as a breakout star on the U.S. women's hockey team. Johnson, 30, described the mental and physical challenges of downhill skiing at speeds over 80 mph, including experiencing "4G turns" that subject the body to forces four times its own weight. Both athletes emphasized the importance of finding joy in the training process and leaning on family support.

  • Laila Edwards made history as the first Black woman to compete in Olympic hockey for Team USA during the 2026 Winter Games in Milan.
  • Breezy Johnson won the gold medal in the women's downhill skiing event at the 2026 Winter Olympics, defeating her competitors by just four-hundredths of a second.

The players

Laila Edwards

A 22-year-old U.S. hockey forward who became the first Black woman to compete for Team USA in Olympic hockey.

Breezy Johnson

A 30-year-old Alpine skier from Jackson, Wyoming who won the gold medal in the women's downhill skiing event at the 2026 Winter Olympics.

Kylie Kelce

The host of the Olympic special "Not Gonna Lie" who interviewed Edwards and Johnson.

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What they’re saying

“If you love something... even if there aren't many people that look like you or support you, you know, you belong.”

— Laila Edwards, U.S. hockey player (Newsweek)

“You have to be able to find joy in the process—find joy in the work. It's taken me 30 years, and I just got my first one of these. It's really cool, but you can't survive 30 years before it unless you enjoy the work that goes into it.”

— Breezy Johnson, Olympic gold medalist in downhill skiing (Newsweek)

What’s next

After the Olympics, Laila Edwards plans to join the growing Professional Women's Hockey League, while Breezy Johnson will continue her skiing career and look to defend her Olympic title in the next Winter Games.

The takeaway

The stories of Laila Edwards and Breezy Johnson demonstrate the power of passion, perseverance, and family support in achieving Olympic greatness. Their journeys provide inspiration for young athletes chasing their own dreams on the world stage.