Johnson Second at World Cup Finals, Secures Career-Best Downhill Ranking
The opening day of World Cup Finals delivered an exciting start to the week, highlighted by Stifel U.S. Ski Team athlete Breezy Johnson skiing to second place in the downhill, capping off a stellar season to secure third overall in the downhill standings.
“I'll go back and keep working, but I'm so happy and I feel like it's been a great season,” said Johnson. “Laura had a very great run and deserved it today.”
The winner of the race for the women was Italy’s Laura Pirovano who also won the FIS Crystal Globe in downhill. In third place was Germany’s Keira Weidel-Winkelmann
The result marks a career-best World Cup downhill ranking for Johnson and highlights her consistency and speed throughout the season. Her performance also helped the Stifel U.S. Ski Team women maintain their lead in the women’s Nations Cup overall standings, which will be decided in the final races later in the week.
“I think there's more to figure out and to go improve and I have all summer to do that," added Johnson. "But I know that I'm skiing very well right now, so I'm proud.”
Teammate Jackie Wiles closed out a strong season with a 14th-place finish on the day, locking in 13th overall in the downhill standings. Lindsey Vonn finished fifth in the overall downhill rankings, despite missing the finals races from an injury she sustained at the Olympic Games.
“It's a solid result, but it's nowhere near what I really had hoped for today,” said Wiles. “I'm still proud of the season and really excited that it was a year that I'm proud of.”
Rounding out the women’s results, Allison Mollin skied to 18th place in her first-ever World Cup Finals appearance, gaining valuable experience on one of the sport’s biggest stages.
On the men’s side, Ryan Cochran-Siegle led the way for the U.S. team, finishing 16th in the downhill and securing ninth overall in the season-long downhill standings.
The World Cup Finals action continues with super-G races set for Sunday.
RESULTS
Women's downhill
