Johnson Impresses With Career First Super-G Podium
Stifel U.S. Ski Team athlete Breezy Johnson delivered a career-defining performance on Saturday in Crans-Montana, Switzerland charging to her first World Cup super-G podium in third place.
“I respect super-G so much; I think it's the hardest event,” said Johnson. “I've always wanted to be good at it, but I did not expect to get there today and I did not expect that run to be what got me to the podium, but I am happy.”
On a fast, demanding super-G track, Johnson put together a confident and aggressive run from bib 29. Coming in the back of the top 30 starters, many thought the race was more or less over until Johnson came barreling down with high speeds and green lights. Split after split showed Johnson was in for a big day. The second she crossed the line and saw that she was on the podium, she was emotional and shocked. The result marks the first time in her career that Johnson has finished inside the top three in super-G, adding a major milestone to a career already highlighted by strong downhill results.
“It felt fast, because it was sort of similar to the downhill,” said Johnson. “I haven’t been having a particularly good super-G season so I just wanted to come out and give it my best.”
It was also a strong day for young up-and-comer Mary Bocock, who landed 15th. Her first top-15 finish in the World Cup and her best result to build confidence as she enters the games next week.
“I was a little nervous, but I'm very happy about it,” said Bocock. “I love this track because it's very technical and so I'm very happy that I was able to execute my plan.”
There were strong results across the board for the team with Jackie Wiles snagging the Stifel Bibbo Award in 17th from bib 47 and Tricia Mangan skiing to a strong 19th place - one of her best results this season. Keely Cashman rounded out the U.S. skiers in 25th. Haley Cutler also raced but landed outside the 30 in 36th place.
The Crans Montana World Cup races this weekend were honoring the victims of the tragic fire just one month prior with a moment of silence and other commemorations to the lives lost. It was fitting for Swiss skier Malorie Blanc to win the World Cup in front of the hometown crowd, making for a very emotional and stunning moment for the skier and mountain community. In second place was the super-G red bib holder, Sofia Goggia.
This super-G race marked the final regular-season World Cup race before the upcoming Milano Cortina Games that start with women’s speed in Cortina.
RESULTS
Women's super-G
