Breezy Johnson Double World Champion: GEPA pictures
Once again, Breezy Johnson secured a podium by finishing third in the World Cup downhill in Kvitfjell, Norway, on Feb. 28. Ski Racing Media talked with Johnson, the 2025 downhill and team combined World Champion, about how her championship titles have influenced her ski racing and what it’s like being part of the strong U.S. women’s speed team.
For the History Books
Starting with bib number 1, Johnson delivered a fast, powerful downhill run during the World Championships in Saalbach-Hinterglemm, Austria, on Feb. 8. While many racers skied well, no one in the competitive women’s downhill field raced down the Zwölferkogel mountain faster than Johnson.
She attacked the section around the large Panorama Jump faster than anyone and posted the fastest section times through most of the course after the initial section.
“I was really psyched because I knew I’d skied my best,” she told reporters afterward in the finish area.
However, Johnson’s World Championship victory won’t just be remembered for her skiing. Johnson was overwhelmed with emotions on the podium in the finish area after the race, making this one of the most moving moments of the 12-day championships.
Three days later, on Feb. 11, Johnson stood atop the podium again, this time alongside Mikaela Shiffrin as they won the women’s team combined gold medal for the USA.
Race Like a Champion
Johnson returned to the World Cup circuit nearly three weeks after claiming the World Championship downhill title. She finished third in Kvitfjell, Norway, during the first women’s downhill race after the championships. Ski Racing Media spoke with Johnson in the Olympiabakken finish area.
What’s it like racing as the reigning World Champion?
“I wanted to do well; I want to live up to that title and wanted to keep the momentum rolling. I think I’ve figured out some things from Garmisch, into Saalbach, and now here. I’m really excited for this latter half of the season and keep rolling with that,” Johnson said with enthusiasm.
How have your World Championship titles affected your mindset and confidence in the World Cup? Is there more pressure, or does it make racing easier?
“There’s a little more pressure, but you also know you can do it. You know that sometimes this sport does favor you and likes you back enough to give you the win. There are pros and cons, but all in all, I’m really happy with Saalbach, and Kvitfjell is a great place to come back to the tour.”
A Deep U.S. Women’s Speed Team
At the Kvitfjell World Cup, nine athletes represented the USA, making it one of the largest teams competing in the women’s speed events. Italy, Austria, and Switzerland also fielded similarly sized squads.
The U.S. racers gathered in the Kvitfjell finish area, watching the remaining competitors, cheering for teammates, and supporting those who fell short of their goals.
What’s it like being part of such a large U.S. team?
“I really like a big team,” Johnson said. “There are a lot of different personalities. Somebody is always having a good day. Unfortunately, with a big team, someone is bound to have a bad day, so it’s a balancing act. But I think everybody’s skiing really well. Everybody is having a good time now, and we’re just keeping the momentum rolling.”
After winning the World Championship downhill title on Feb. 8, Johnson also praised the team’s camaraderie and positive atmosphere.
“We’ve worked really hard. Our coaches have taught us so much. It’s fun when people are skiing well. We build each other up, we help each other, and that creates a fast ski environment. It definitely creates a happy ski environment.”
The next women’s World Cup speed races are set for La Thuile, Italy, on March 13-15. Soon after, the top competitors on the women’s and men’s World Cup tours will be invited to battle in downhill, super-G, giant slalom, and slalom at the World Cup Finals in Sun Valley, Idaho, on March 22-27.
About the Author: Bente Bjørnsen Sherlock
