American skier Breezy Johnson has been given a replacement gold medal for her victory in the women's downhill event at the Winter Olympics after the original broke during her podium celebration. The 30-year-old athlete, who secured her first Games title on Sunday, shared details of the incident on Tuesday. Johnson is now favored to win another gold in the upcoming team combined event.
Breezy Johnson, competing for the United States, celebrated her triumph in the women's downhill on Sunday, marking her first gold medal at the Winter Games. During the podium ceremony, the medal detached from its ribbon clasp as Johnson jumped in excitement. On Tuesday, she informed reporters that officials had provided her with a new medal, though it still requires engraving.
"Yeah, they gave me a new one. I have to get it engraved though still. So that needs to happen," Johnson stated. She also noted that she returned the damaged medal, explaining, "they don't let you have multiple of those things."
Looking ahead, Johnson is positioned as a strong contender for a second gold in the women's team combined event. She recorded the fastest time in the downhill portion of that competition. Teaming up with her close friend Mikaela Shiffrin, recognized as the most successful skier in history, Johnson will participate in the slalom leg scheduled for Tuesday afternoon.
Reflecting on her enthusiastic celebration, Johnson humorously suggested caution for any future podium moments. "Unless I'm holding the medal, then maybe I'll jump," she said.
This incident highlights the physical demands and joys of alpine skiing competitions, where athletes like Johnson balance high-stakes performance with spontaneous expressions of victory.
