‘It doesn’t feel real yet’: Breezy Johnson on winning gold

American alpine skier Breezy Johnson secured the first gold medal for Team USA at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy this week, marking a triumphant return to the podium following a series of career-threatening injuries. Speaking with NBC News NOW shortly after her victory, the athlete expressed a sense of disbelief and overwhelming relief, noting that the reality of her achievement had not yet fully sunk in. The win serves as a major milestone for the United States delegation at the start of the Games, setting a high standard for the competitive weeks ahead in the Italian Alps. During her interview, Johnson opened up about the psychological and physical hurdles she faced during her road to recovery. Having endured significant setbacks in previous seasons, including multiple surgeries and grueling rehabilitation cycles, she admitted there were moments when she feared her Olympic aspirations were permanently out of reach. Her gold medal performance is viewed not just as a sporting success, but as a testament to her resilience in overcoming the chronic injuries that often sideline professional downhill skiers. Johnson also took the opportunity to send a heartfelt message to her colleague and skiing legend Lindsey Vonn, who suffered an unfortunate injury during the current Games. Recognizing the immense influence Vonn has had on her own career and the sport at large, Johnson emphasized the camaraderie within the skiing community. Her victory serves as a beacon of hope for other athletes dealing with physical setbacks, proving that a return to elite-level performance is possible even after devastating medical challenges.