Breezy Johnson claimed her first ever Super-G podium in Crans-Montana. | Image: U.S. Ski & Snowboard

Breezy Johnson delivered a breakthrough performance on Saturday, January 31, claiming the first Super-G podium of her career with a third-place finish in Crans-Montana, Switzerland. The Super-G went off without a hitch after Friday’s cancelled downhill, which saw three of the first six starters, including Lindsey Vonn crash.

Switzerland’s Malorie Blanc thrilled the home crowd with a commanding run to take her first World Cup victory, while Italy’s Sofia Goggia finished second, just fractions of a second back, cementing her legacy as the Queen of Speed ahead of the home Olympics. Johnson completed the podium, skiing with control and confidence in bib 29 at a stage of the race where most thought the podium was determined.

“I respect super-G so much—I think it’s the hardest event. 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.”

— Breezy Johnson

Today’s podium: Malorie Blanc 1st, Sofia Goggia 2nd, Breezy Johnson 3rd. | Image: FIS Alpine

Johnson bumped Italy’s Roberta Melesi into fourth, who had set a fast pace of 1:17.76 in bib 2. The 29-year-old has never been on a podium, but today’s fourth place marked her career-best World Cup result. Despite her strong performance, Melesi will not be part of Italy’s Olympic team, as the team has been formally announced. Germany’s Kira Weidle followed closely in fifth just 0.02 seconds behind Melesi, while New Zealand’s Alice Robinson slotted into sixth 0.07 seconds behind the German. With 220 points, Robinson is ranked second in Super-G this season while Goggia’s second place boosted the Italian into first. Vonn still holds third with 190 points despite not competing today.

Despite Lindsey Vonn’s absence, today marked a day of encouraging depth for Team USA. Mary Bocock delivered a career run, finishing 15th for a personal best, showing steady improvement at the World Cup level. Jacqueline Wiles placed 17th, Tricia Mangan finished 19th, and Keely Cashman rounded out the American results in 25th. The Super-G race came one day after Friday’s downhill was cancelled due to poor visibility and snowfall, forcing organizers to condense the weekend schedule. Conditions on Saturday were markedly improved, though still challenging, with several athletes failing to finish. A number of skiers recorded DNFs, but no serious injuries were reported during the Super-G.

The race in Crans-Montana came just one month after the devastating New Year’s Eve fire that killed 40 guests and injured a further 155 in the ski resort on the French-speaking side of Switzerland. In light of the tragedy, festivities surrounding the World Cup weekend were cancelled, and athletes were given the opportunity to lay a flower in remembrance of the victims.

Blanc’s victory on home snow—the 22-year-old grew up nearby—felt like a fitting tribute to the young victims of the bar fire. “I am so happy that I could deliver this today. It’s really a gift for the people and for their support,” Blanc said in a post-race interview with FIS. Former Swiss ski racer Didier Défago echoed that sentiment in remarks ahead of the competition, saying: “Our main focus was on the sporting aspect—that was the key point. We said sport has to come first. It brings people together. It creates positive emotions and motivation, especially for the younger generation.” With less than a week until the opening ceremony on Friday, February 6, one can hope that the positive spirit can carry forward into the Olympic weeks ahead.

Breezy Johnson in Crans-Montana. | Image: FIS Alpine